A suspect who reportedly demanded a woman’s purse in the street and left her with serious facial injuries has sparked a police manhunt.

A stranger made the demands in Canterbury’s Military Road at 2.11am on Friday before she was assaulted, police say.

With the woman able to flee in a vehicle with another person moments later, a disturbance reportedly unfolded in which a man threatened two men outside a home in nearby Starle Close.

The men were able to go into a nearby property and the man left the scene on foot.

Police attended and the suspect who reportedly attacked the woman was described as white, in his early 20s and of slim build.

He was said to have medium length dark hair, wearing a hoody and a silver chain and carrying a small ‘Nike’ bag.

A police spokesman said: “Investigators are appealing to anyone with relevant information about either incident, including private CCTV or dashcam footage, to come forward.”

Witnesses are urged to contact police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/2228/25. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or completing its online form.