THE Elf service station in Staplehurst was robbed last night.

A man went into the service station in Cranbrook Road, at 8.50pm, jumped onto the counter and helped himself to a handful of cash from the till. He then ran off across the forecourt.

A Maidstone and Malling Police, spokewoman said: "Fortunately, nobody was touched or hurt in any way, but unfortunately there was no time for the staff to react before he ran off."

The man is white, aged between 17 and 20, 5ft 7in and of medium build. He was wearing a black balaclava and a dark grey tracksuit. Witnesses told police he had a deep voice.

Anyone with any information about the robbery, or who witnessed the incident, should contact DC Terry Easterby on 01622 608182 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.