A CASHIER feared for her life when a gunman threatened to kill her if she failed to hand over betting shop takings.

The robber walked into Coral bookmakers, Princes Road, Dartford, and demanded the woman had over the cash at 11.15am.

Moments later he fled the terraced building, surrounded by shops and passers-by, with an estimated £4,000 and sped off in a waiting car.

Police were on the scene within minutes and forensic teams closed the shop and street in a bid to gather clues.

Wendy Head, of neighbouring Crumbz Sandwich Bar, saw the man enter the building.

She said: "I saw him just before he went in there, I knew there were two of them working behind the counter at the time.

"He asked the cashier for money but she got flustered so he turned to her with gun and said he'd shoot her if she didn't give him the money.

"As soon as I saw him outside the shop I just knew from the way he was dressed and the way he was walking something was not right."

The catering manager added: "We're good friends with the girls next door and I kept thinking I should have intervened but I'm glad I stayed where I was.

"I'm just glad they are alright and it was not any worse."

A Coral spokesman said: "The lady in question is now back at work although she did go home on Friday and took Saturday off too.

"We are currently helping police with their investigations."

Police have arrested a man in connection with the robbery and a stolen car has also been recovered.

Anyone with information about the May 5 incident should call police on 01622 690690.