A trio of violent robbers who used a hammer to terrify a post office worker - and a knife to threaten staff at a convenience store - have been put behind bars.

Described by police as a "danger to society", Zyon Elsom, Kane Sampson and Neil Clarke threatened staff and stole goods from two shops in Whitstable and Broadstairs.

In Joy Lane post office in Whitstable, they slammed a hammer down onto a woman's hand, holding her in place at the counter as they grabbed packets of cigarettes and pouches of tobacco.

The victim also had her mobile phone snatched just before the emergency alarm was activated and the robbers ran away.

Police patrols spotted the three men in a car near to the A299 Thanet Way in Ramsgate shortly after the incident in March last year, and the suspects were pursued.

They fled from their vehicle but were chased on foot and caught by officers in a nearby field.

Three days prior, the men targeted a Premier store in Queens Road, Broadstairs.

During the evening, a shop worker was threatened with a knife and assaulted.

The thieves demanded money from the till and filled a bag with alcohol, cash and tobacco before fleeing.

Having been caught after their next robbery in Whitstable, the trio were arrested and charged.

All three were sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court last Friday for a combined total of 16 years.

Clarke, 38, of Paragon in Ramsgate, was jailed for 10 years, Elsom, 20, of no fixed address, was given a three-year jail term, and 21-year-old Sampson, of no fixed address, also received a three-year prison sentence.

Elsom and Sampson admitted two counts of robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a knife. Meanwhile, Clarke was found guilty by a jury.

Detective Sergeant Jay Robinson said: ‘This was a terrifying ordeal for the victims who were simply doing their jobs and should not expect to suffer such violence at the hands of criminals like these three.

"They are a danger to society and will clearly go to great lengths to commit violent crimes with absolutely no regard for their victims.

"We are pleased all three have been given prison sentences and that a jury saw through Clarke’s lies. He is a prolific offender and I hope the local community will rest a little easier knowing these men will be behind bars for a considerable amount of time."