DETECTIVES are searching for a man who held up a postmistress in a Kent village armed with a handgun.

The man entered the sub-post office at Preston, near Canterbury, at about 3pm on Friday. But when the sub-postmistress pressed the alarm button the man fled empty-handed.

Police said no one was hurt in the incident and no shots were fired.

The would-be robber, who was wearing a plastic mask, is about 6ft 2in tall, of slim build and white. He ran off up the road and got into a car.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious is asked to contact the investigating officer, Det Sgt Steve Bridges, on 01304 218182.