A man threatened staff with a kitchen knife before getting away with cash during a terrifying robbery at an Ashford bookmakers.

The raider struck at the Court Wurtin premises in Beaver Lane at about 7.15pm Tuesday. A police spokesman said he showed staff the knife before leaping over the counter and demanding the till be opened.

After taking the cash, the robber - described as white but possibly of Eastern European appearance - ran to a nearby car park. He was seen driving a black car towards Brookfield Road.

Police said the robber is between 5ft 8in and 6ft tall, of medium build, aged around 25, with short, cropped brown hair. He was wearing a polo short with horizontal stripes.

Nobody was injured in the raid - but anyone with information is urged to contact police on 01303 289180 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.