POLICE are investigating after the £48 million divorcee Beverly Charman was tied up and robbed at gunpoint.

The 53-year-old former wife of insurance magnate John Charman was at home in Wilderness Avenue, Sevenoaks, when a gunman in a balaclava broke in at around 9.40pm on Friday.

He forced her to open a safe and hand over several thousand pounds worth of jewellery. It is thought the thief had an imitation firearm or BB gun.

The man is described as white, aged between 18 and 26 and he was wearing dark-coloured clothing.

Mrs Charman was found by her son at around 10pm. She was not hurt in the incident.

Kent Police say one line of enquiry is whether her high-profile divorce may have made her a target for thieves.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01732 379217 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.