Police are appealing for help to catch three “vicious” robbers who dragged a man from his van, punched him and sprayed a substance in his face before making off with his van early Wednesday.

The man was attacked in Front Brents, Faversham, around 5.30am. Although he was bruised, he did not need to go to hospital.

The van was later recovered in Aylesham.

Sgt Stuart Samson said: “These three individuals need to be caught. They carried out this vicious robbery with no thought for the victim and we are urging anyone with information to come forward.

“I would like to hear from people who were in the area at the time of the robbery or who may have seen the van being driven through Faversham and along the A2 towards Brenley Corner.”

Sgt Samson said the men, described as white and wearing woollen hats and dark clothing, approached the man who was parked in his white Ford transit van.

They pulled him out of the vehicle, punched him in the face, sprayed an unknown substance in his face and made off.

Anyone with information should contact Kent Police quoting reference CY/14606/08 on 01795 419306 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.