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Shopkeeper describes moment he was forced to hand over hundreds of pounds by armed robber at convenience store in Watling Street, Dartford

00:00, 20 May 2016

updated: 15:36, 20 May 2016

A shopkeeper says he has been left scared to go to work after being forced hand over hundreds of pounds by an armed robber.

Kandasamy Sivanathan, 46, was manning the till at K & R Convenience Store in Watling Street, Dartford on Wednesday afternoon when a man burst into the shop and demanded he empty the cash point.

The man made off with more than £300 and is still on the run from police.

Kandasamy Sivanathan was forced to hand over hundreds of pounds from the shop's till.
Kandasamy Sivanathan was forced to hand over hundreds of pounds from the shop's till.

"It was frightening, it really was scary," said Mr Sivanathan.

"I have been scared since it happened to come back to work. I am quite scared that another robber might come."

Police are appealing for witnesses as they continue their search for the suspect, who is described as a white man aged between 18 and 25 years old, around 5 foot 8 inches and of medium build.

K & R Convenience, Watling Street.
K & R Convenience, Watling Street.

He was wearing a dark-coloured hooded top with the hood pulled up and dark coloured trousers with bright white trainers.

Mr Sivanathan, who was working alone in the store, described the weapon he was wielding as 'a can', possibly containing some form of spray.

"It was over very quickly, in just three or four minutes, but he stole a lot of money," he continued.

"I have been scared since it happened to come back to work. I am quite scared that another robber might come" - Kandasamy Sivanathan

"I just put my hands up and then he made me empty the till and count all the money.

"There were six police cars here afterwards and they were here for about two hours. I went to the police station for an inquiry so I had to close the shop for the rest of the day."

A police helicopter was also called at just after 1.30pm to assist in the search for the suspect.

Initial reports suggested two men were involved, but after further police investigations, officers are only now looking for one.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 18-0608.

The incident came after reports of a failed armed robbery attempt in Lowfield Street less than 24 hours prior, with police still searching for two men spotted wearing balaclavas as they made their getaway.

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