A suspected shoplifter "waving a knife around" brought shopping to a standstill at Bexleyheath Poundland on New Year's Day.

Police were called to Poundland in Broadway after reports were made of a man waving around a knife, at around 2.55 pm.

The suspect reportedly presented a knife and began "waving it around" after being confronted by staff regarding shoplifting.

The suspect is said to have left a bag of items inside the premises before leaving.

Eyewitnesses described the man as tall, white, of slim build and said he wore a beanie styled hat.

A Met Police spokesman confirmed officers searched the surrounding area but failed to locate the suspect.

Enquiries continue.