Terrified workers at a Cranbrook food business were forced to hand over cash and a phone after thieves in balaclavas burst in, armed with hammers.

The robbery at Cranbrook Fishmongers, in Hartley Road, happened in the early hours of the morning as workers were preparing fresh fish to sell at a market.

A rock was thrown through a window before staff were threatened with violence. It is said the shop owner was pushed to the floor during the incident.

Now detectives are appealing for help tracing a Cath Kidston polka-dot bag, which is also reported to have been taken. It is red with white dots and may have been discarded around Cranbrook or Ashford.

Jack Thorpe, manager of Cranbrook Fishmongers, was not in the shop at the time but arrived an hour afterwards.

The 23-year-old, from Tenterden, said: “It is disgusting, not a nice thing at all. Why people feel the need to do something like this is beyond me.

“It is not so much the actual act itself, but the effect it had afterwards. We have had to change how we work to make sure we are safe. It will take staff a while to get over that.”

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the raid, which happened on Thursday last week.

Three men have since been charged with robbery and appeared at Dover Magistrates' Court. They were remanded in custody and are due to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on May 16.

They are Antony Allen, 37, of Badlesmere Close, Ashford; Sammy Kingwell, 31, of Adams Drive, Willesborough; and Ricky White, 29, of Downsway, Charing.

A 46-year-old man from Ashford has been arrested and bailed pending further inquiries until May 27.

Anyone who finds the bag is asked not handle it and to call police on 01622 604100, quoting crime reference number YY/7897/16.