A member of staff was attacked when a thief raided an open pub and attempted to steal a cash box.

The Three Tuns in Lower Halstow was targeted at around 10pm yesterday.

A man broke into the office through an upstairs window and was in the process of taking the box when he was disturbed.

VIDEO: Owner Carol Haines and the CCTV footage

Owner Carol Haines said: "We were open and still had customers and staff on the premises.

“We caught on CCTV a young lad about 17 years old who had climbed through a window on the first floor.”

The intruder had his face covered but was captured on camera entering the office and taking the small safe containing staff tips.

Manager Scott Lacey, who has only been working for the pub in The Street since August, disturbed the criminal and is “a bit shaken” having chased him off.

The culprit left empty handed after escaping back through the window.

Normally the pub has a complex security system, installed following a break in back in June where a large amount of cash was taken, but it wasn’t active as the pub was still open.

Mrs Haines added: “I can't believe that someone had the audacity to do this.”

The pub is still open as usual and anyone with information that can help police is urged to call 01795 419119 quoting reference XY/047066/16.