A WOMAN had a narrow escape when a car driver tried to grab her as she was walking in a country lane.

The woman, in her 30s, was in Brishing Road, Chart Sutton, near Maidstone, when a man stopped his car to ask her for directions.

He then tried to grab her but she was able to pull away and he drove off towards Heath Road. He is described as white, in his 20s or early 30s and was driving a small, dark-coloured car.

Police are urging women to be particularly vigilant when walking in seclued, quiet roads.

Maidstone and Malling Police spokeswoman Gianna Pollero said: "In that sort of situation, if someone stops to ask you a question, keep a reasonable distance from the car. Be on your guard.

"If you get into difficulty the best thing to do is to make as much noise as possible, and then contact the police immediately."

Anyone with any information about the incident, which happened at about 2.40pm on Saturday, should call Det Sgt Graham Hooks on 01622 608182 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.