A five-year-old boy has been threatened and his father injured by a man wielding a weapon in a village.

The incident - which happened at a playground in Brickfield Road, Barham yesterday afternoon - is thought to have involved a knife.

The child's mum has since taken to Facebook to warn other parents after the terrifying incident - saying a young man "tried to kill" her little boy while he was out with his dad, who sustained injuries.

Police were called and searched the area, but the suspect left the scene before they arrived.

A spokesman said: "Witnesses are being sought after a man was injured and a child was threatened in Barham.

"The man was assaulted by another man who had reportedly threatened a child moments earlier with a weapon.

"Detectives are carrying out inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including examination of any available CCTV footage."

The victim was taken to hospital with a hand injury, while the child was unhurt.

The suspect is described as white, in his late teens or early 20s, 5ft 9ins to 6ft tall, of proportionate build, with dark close-cropped hair.

He was wearing a grey hooded top, dark-coloured jogging bottoms and was carrying a mobile phone in a bright red case.

Anyone with information about what happened is urged to call the appeal line on 01843 222289 quoting crime reference 46/49867/19.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

UPDATE -A teenage boy has since been arrested.