A MAN involved in a robbery at a bank may have been sprayed with red dye activated by a security device.

The man went up to a cash-in-transit security guard at the NatWest in London Road, Larkfield, near Maidstone, shortly before 1.40pm on Wednesday and demanded he hand over a cash box.

He then ran to a waiting green BMW car which drove off and was found abandoned shortly after in nearby Oak Drive.

Police say no weapon was used and nobody was injured although security staff were shocked by the incident.

A cash box was found in nearby Bell Lane about 10 minutes after the incident.

Police think security devices in the box activated spraying red dye which may have marked the people involved.

Det Insp Dominic Kilbride, from Kent Police said: "I am asking anyone who saw the car before or after the incident to contact us. Also if you saw the car on its journey from the bank before it was abandoned on Oak Drive you may have information that will be helpful to our inquiry.

"The people involved may have red dye on their skin or clothing so would be noticeable. If you saw anything or have any information please contact police."

Anyone with information should call police on 01732 379160 or Crimestoppers on 0800 55511.