Police investigating the theft of almost £9,000 from a pub in Herne Bay have released CCTV images of a man they are trying to trace.

The burglary happened between 10.30am on Monday, August 28, and 11.30am the following day at the Diver’s Arms in Central Parade.

Manager Debbie Knight says the thief went into the back, to the private accommodation, and was in and out of the pub within minutes with the cash.

“It’s a massive amount of money to lose for the business,” she said.

“And it all happened when we were open. It was bank holiday so it was quite busy.

“You just don’t expect something like this to happen – it’s quite a shock and very upsetting.”

Police would like to speak to a man who was seen nearby at 7.20pm on Monday, August 28.

He is described as white, at least 6ft tall and of a stocky/muscular build.

He has a shaved head and was wearing a black baseball cap, a black t-shirt with a white Nike logo on the front, black shorts with a white Nike logo on the left thigh and white trainers.

He was also wearing a small drawstring bag on his back. The bag was black with a white logo on it.

Anyone with information about the incident or who recognises the man in the images is asked to phone Kent Police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting ZY/40782/17.