Detectives have issued this CCTV image of a man they are hunting after a hotel was evacuated for more than seven hours in a gun incident and bomb scare.

A man thought to have a gun walked into the Mercure Hythe Imperial Hotel and Spa, demanded money and said there was a bomb on the premises.

Armed police and Army bomb experts were called to the hotel at just before 10.30am on Friday.

Kent Police say a man entered the hotel and made threats towards a member of staff.

He asked to see the manager and it is reported he later produced a handgun. He demanded a large amount of money and told staff there was a bomb in the hotel.

No device was found, but the culprit is still at large. Police are now treating this as an attempted robbery.

DI Emma Banks, from Kent Police, said: "This was a harrowing incident for all concerned and has left staff traumatised.

"The actions of this man caused a great deal of disruption to the hotel and its guests, and we are keen to make sure the offender is brought to justice.

"This was a particularly calculated attempted robbery and I would urge anyone who thinks they might know who the suspect is to come forward."

The hotel at Princes Parade had to be evacuated, and the road closed, before the Army's bomb disposal squad was called.

Firearms officers searched the hotel, but no device was found and the premises were declared safe at 6pm.

Armed police at the Hythe Imperial Hotel after a gunman claimed to have a bomb

The man police want to find is described as 55 to 70 years old, white, 5ft 6in to 5ft 10in and of medium build.

He had grey receding hair, a gold hooped earring, tanned complexion and blue eyes.

He was wearing a beige raincoat, dark trousers - possibly courdroys - a smart shirt and black shoes, which appeared to be leather.

Police also say the man was carrying a dark bag with a handle and strap and was seen smoking a cigarette.

Anyone who knows the man and has information about his whereabouts is asked to ring Kent Police on 101, quoting reference number CAD 28-449 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.