A GANG of armed robbers raided a petrol station and assaulted a shop assistant early today. Four men burst into the Shell petrol station on the A229 at Blue Bell Hill, near Chatham, at around 5am brandishing a weapon.

The male assistant, who was believed to be alone in the store, was hit over the head with the weapon as the robbers raided the shop.

He suffered minor cuts and bruises but was able to alert police as soon as the thugs made their escape in a waiting car. It is not yet known what was taken.

Three of the men have been described as white, with shaved heads and in their 20s. The fourth robber had dark, curtain-style hair and looked between 30 and 35.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Maidstone Police on 01622 690690.