A raider brandishes a gun at Thomas Cook in Sandwich

This is the terrifying moment a balaclava-clad robber brandished a gun at staff in a Sandwich travel agency.

Pointing the weapon at two shocked women, he was one of two raiders who targeted Thomas Cook in King Street.

The robbers forced the women to hand over money before fleeing towards Short Street.

Detectives believe the men, who were wearing high-visibility tabards, were in the town for several hours before the robbery on Monday morning.

Now they have released these CCTV images in a bid to trace witnesses.

CCTV pictures show raiders bursting into Thomas Cook in Sandwich

DC Tom Wilson, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "The men may have been in the town since 6.30am. Perhaps they were seen by people on their way to catch a train and going to work."

The pair entered the King Street premises at about 10am. One of the men had a gun and pointed it at the two female staff members.

The women were forced to hand over money - both cash in various currencies and travellers' cheques.

Kent Police said the workers were left "very shocked" by the robbery and one was taken to the QEQM Hospital, in Margate, for a check-up.

Police at the scene of a raid on a Thomas Cook in Sandwich

The men are described as black and one was taller than the other. They had balaclavas over their faces and dark sports bags over their shoulders.

One of the men was wearing a white hooded top and dark trousers. The other was wearing a dark hooded top and trousers. His gloves did not match as one was red.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Kent Police on 01303 289353 or 101, giving reference number ZY/35204/12. Kent Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.