An armed man threatened staff and stole £40,000 worth of merchandise and money from a jeweller in a Kent city centre.

The robber struck at the family-owned Michael Stilwell jewellers in Burgate, Canterbury at 2.40pm Monday.

Armed with a knife, he forced two female employees into a back room, cut phone lines and cleared an entire window display of diamond rings, earrings and pendants.

Mr Stilwell, 60, says the women were traumatised, but unhurt.

He said: "Being robbed like this is something you always think about as an occupational hazard.

"In 40 years of business we've had windows smashed - but never had an armed raid like this."

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 01227 762055.

• See this week's Kentish Gazette newspaper for the full story.

For more news from Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay and Faversham visit kentishgazette.co.uk >>>