A 38-year-old has been arrested after staff at Tesco and Londis were threatened with an axe by a man demanding scratchcards.

The suspect was detained by a shop worker at the Tesco Express in New Dover Road shortly before 9.15pm last night.

It is alleged he had assaulted the same employee and threatened staff with an axe after attempting to steal food.

He is also being questioned in connection with a similar raid at the Londis in St Dunstan's Street, Canterbury.

Staff there were also threatened with an axe and five scratchcards were stolen.

The suspect, of no fixed abode, remains in police custody.

Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: "We take a zero tolerance approach to crimes involving weapons and remain committed them off the streets."

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