A robber held-up staff at a chemist's with what was believed to be a gun before stealing prescription drugs last night.

The man robbed Lloyds Pharmacy in Craddocks Parade, Ashtead, and ran away towards Ashtead Common at about 6.45pm.

He was white, wore a dark anorak with the hood up, and clothing covering his mouth. He wore grey jogging bottoms and dark footwear.

A police helicopter took part in the search for the robber last night but was unable to locate him. One resident said: "There were police everywhere."

Surrey Comet:

Oriana Pontone, from florists Stems which is next door to the shop, said: "It's shocking at the end of the day because you don't expect it to happen on your doorstep.

"I think it's happening in every town centre and high street. We don't expect it to happen in Ashtead because it's such a lovely village. It's worrying but it's part of life."

She expressed concern for the shocked staff at the chemist and said the girls working last night have been given "time out".

Another chemist’s owner Abdool Kureeman, from Ashtead’s Buckley Pharmacy, said: “My thoughts are with the staff. I’m hoping they are all safe and sound and will be able to put this behind them.

“We obviously need to think about the security of premises due to the nature of the profession we are in. It’s the worst case scenario. We don’t want to have an incident like it happening again.” 

Anyone with any information should contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference number P15141208.