A shop customer was taken to hospital after being attacked during a knifepoint robbery.

A man carrying a knife went into Corner Supermarket in Plains Avenue in Shepway, Maidstone at around 9.30pm last night and stole a quantity of cigarettes from behind the counter.

The suspect attacked a customer and a member of staff, who both suffered injuries. The customer, a man in his 50s, was treated at hospital for cuts and bruises on his face. Police are not able to confirm exactly what caused these.

The suspect then left, heading towards Cranbourne Avenue.

He is white and of slim build, and was wearing a beige patterned scarf over his face, a light brown coat and purple and black gloves.

Investigators believe he walked past the shop twice before entering and are urging anybody who saw a man acting suspiciously in the area to contact them.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call police on 01622 604 100, quoting crime reference 46/40613/20.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone