A ROBBER armed with a kitchen knife leapt from a car and threatened a group of young people walking along a street.

He snatched handbags from two teenage girls and then got back into the car which was driven off.

Police are appealing for information about the incident which happened on Monday at about 10.45pm in St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells, at the junction with John Street.

Police spokeswoman Anne McCarthy explained what happened as the car, a grey Rover, pulled up alongside the group.

She said: "A man sitting in the front passenger seat got out and demanded that members of the group hand over any cigarettes and alcohol they had.

"As he did this, the robber produced a kitchen knife and pointed it at the group. He then took handbags from the two girls who are both 15 years old.

"After he jumped back into the car it was driven off in the direction of Tunbridge Wells town centre. No-one was hurt in the incident but the two girls were shocked by what had happened."

The robber is described as white, thought to be aged between 20 and 25, 5ft 9in tall with dark brown hair. He is slim with an acne scarred complexion. He was wearing a creamy white jacket with grey fur hood and white trainers.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact West Kent Police on 01732 379217 (if possible quoting reference 1958) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Callers to Crimestoppers do not have to leave their name.