TWO raiders wearing balaclavas terrified staff when they burst into Sainsbury's supermarket in Tonbridge early today.

The robbers forced doors to make their way into the store at about 3am. They then broke open some of the tills and escaped with an unknown amount cash.

No-one was hurt during the incident but staff who encountered the men were verbally threatened.

The robbers left the way they had come, joining a third person who was waitng outside the store.

Police think the incident is linked to another incident early today - an attempted break-in at Sainsbury's store in Linden Park Road, Tunbridge Wells. An unsuccessful attempt was made to force the doors.

It is believed three men wearing dark clothing and balaclavas were involved. They are thought to have fled in a dark-coloured saloon car.

Another incident which police think is linked occurred at Sainsbury's in Otford Road, Sevenoaks between 3.30 - 3.40am on Monday.

Two men forced doors to get into the store and again forced tills to take cash. The robbers were wearing scarves around their faces. One wore a baseball cap and the other a hooded top.

One of the men was carrying a screwdriver and again shop staff were verbally threatened. The raiders drove off in a dark coloured car.

Det Sgt Neil Simcox, of West Kent CID, said: "We have no doubt these incidents are linked. It is possible that, although it was in the early hours, someone may have seen a car driving away from the stores. If they did we would be pleased to hear from them."

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact West Kent Police on 01732 771055 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Callers to Crimestoppers do not have to leave their name.