Police were on the hunt for a thief who stole cash from Sainsbury’s in Chislehurst.

The Met Police helicopter was searching for a man who stole money from the tills at Sainsbury’s, along the High Street.

Police were called just before 3.30pm today (July 6) to reports of a theft at Sainsbury’s.

A spokesman from the Met Police confirmed they were currently in Willow Grove looking for the suspect.

It is unclear if he was armed at this stage, or how much was taken.

Vanessa Bridges, who lives in nearby Willow Vale, said: “My neighbour said there were police everywhere, she said he ran down Willow Grove and is hiding in the sheds and back gardens.

MORE TOP STORIES “My neighbour lives on the top floor so she’s got an eagle eye view, she thought she saw him a couple gardens away in the undergrowth and trees.

“She went down and told the police and they got the sniffer dogs out."

The 44 year old civil servant added: “I live on the ground floor and I didn’t want him to see a single person – my partner isn’t here – going into their house alone.

"I would have been terrified. I went straight up to my friend’s but even she had bolted the door. This is close to home - literally.

“I’ve heard of people nicking bottles before but not cash, this might be the time they cash up for the day.“

Deputy manager of the store, Steve Rollason, said he was unable to comment on the incident but confirmed they were open.

More to follow.