CASH was grabbed from two women on separate occasions as they stood at the cashpoint of a bank in a Kent village.

The incidents took place last Wednesday and Thursday at the NatWest bank in Ashford Road at Bearsted, near Maidstone.

The first woman was approached from behind by a man at about 7.15pm last Wedneday as she withdrew cash. He grabbed the money and ran down an alley.

A second woman was attacked at 8.15pm the next day as she withdrew cash from the same machine. He snatched money from her hand and again ran off towards Yeoman Lane.

Maidstone and Malling Police have not confirmed if the two crimes are linked but have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01622 608189.