A woman in her 60s has been the victim of a 'distressing' robbery on Christmas Day in which a man threatened her before stealing her car and crashing it.

The victim was in her car in Fullingpits Avenue, Barming, at around 7.30pm when she was approached by a man.

He was holding a long object which he used to threaten her.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Raj Dusanjh said: "The man told her he wanted her car, a 54 plate red Ford Focus.

"She got out of the vehicle and he jumped in and drove off at speed towards Maidstone town centre."

The car was later found abandoned in Mangravet Avenue, Maidstone, where it had collided with railings.

The offender is described as white, possibly with long hair, and was wearing a white t-shirt or top and a woolly hat which covered his ears.

Detective Constable Dusanjh said: "Although the victim was unharmed this was clearly a distressing incident for her and we are keen to catch the offender.

"We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the robbery or who saw the Ford Focus as it travelled between Fullingpits Avenue and Mangravet Avenue.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who recognises the description of the offender."

If you can help, phone police on 01622 604100 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference number 25-0776.