POLICE in West Kent are appealing for information following the theft of a silver BMW 320 estate car from the driveway of a house.

The theft happened on Tuesday at about 11am while the female householder was in the garden in Greybury Lane, Marsh Green, near Edenbridge.

She saw a man wearing a red t-shirt and blue jeans running from her back door to the car which he then drove away.

A police spokeswoman said later "The man had come onto the property on a bicycle which he left behind."

Neighbourhood Sgt Martin Coker said : "As part our Safer Spring initiative this incident is an opportunity to remind people, even if you live in a rural location, that it is always advisable to keep your house secure even if you are only outside for a very short time.

"When the weather is warmer it is very easy to forget and leave doors and windows open and so give thieves a chance."

He added: "Our investigation into the theft is continuing and I would ask anyone who saw the man riding his bike in the area to contact police."

Anyone with information can contact police on 01732 379217 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.