A woman has spoken of how she escaped an attacker on a road in rural Maidstone.

In a Facebook post shared more than 4,000 times, Hannah Van Noort detailed the terrifying incident, which police are investigating.

Ms Van Noort described how she was driving near Boxley at around 10pm on Tuesday, on Lidsing Road.

She thought she hit an animal that was crossing the road and got out of her car to investigate, but couldn't see anything.

She was then grabbed from behind, "ending up in an altercation with an unknown male."

In the post, Ms Van Noort said: "He clearly wanted to hurt me. There was no interest in my car or any of my possessions.

"After a short but intense struggle, I was able to get away and drive off. I am very thankful to not have gotten severely injured and only ended up with some cuts and bruises and a minor concussion."

She went on: "I am still wrapping my head around what happened last night. You never expect things like this to happen to you. "But that’s never a given in this world unfortunately.

"I’d just like to say something for other people having been through an experience like this. Shame is a strange thing. It can make you feel like it’s somehow your fault. If only I had been more careful. If only I had... insert whatever people may say about you.

"But fact remains, no blame lies with you. Someone chose to actively harm you and that is never your fault.

"I carried my rape alarm on me. I knew my self defence techniques. I told people that I was driving home and they were aware of my location.

"I did everything right. And still this happened. Please be kind to yourself."

"You never expect things like this to happen to you...."

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "Investigators are appealing for information following an allegation a woman was assaulted near Boxley."

"The incident happened at around 10pm on Tuesday June 1 as the victim was driving along Lidsing Road towards Hempstead.

"The woman stopped her car prior to the junction with Yelsted Lane after she thought she saw something in the road, and got out with her hazard lights illuminated.

"The victim reported she was then assaulted by a man who appeared from behind her and fell to the floor.

"She was assaulted again whilst on the ground before managing to get back to her vehicle and drive from the scene. The victim suffered scratches and bruising during the incident.

"The suspect is described as being white with dark, very short hair and was wearing dark clothing and a blue face mask."

"The victim suffered scratches and bruising during the incident..."

DI Darren Reynolds of the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad said: "We are appealing for witnesses who saw the incident or anybody acting suspiciously in the area between 9.30pm and 10.30pm to contact us.

"We would also like to hear from anybody who may have seen a suspicious person or vehicle in the days leading up to the incident.

"Motorists with dashcam are also asked to check for footage that may assist the investigation."

Anyone with information is urged to call 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/94556/21 or Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or using the online form on their website.

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