An armed robber targeted a woman's handbag in an attempted robbery in the grounds of an historic landmark.

The victim, who is in her 20s, was walking towards the River Medway from the Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone when her alleged attacker pounced yesterday evening.

Her assailant is reported to have brandished a weapon while attempting to take her bag.

The would-be thief fled the scene when another man came to the woman's aid at around 5.40pm.

Investigating officer PC Alex Peacock said: "While investigators are completing enquiries in the area, including the examination of CCTV footage, we are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the incident, or saw somebody acting suspiciously, to contact us."

The victim suffered a minor hand injury in the attempted robbery but did not require treatment at hospital.

Anyone with information is urged to call the appeal line on 01622 604100 quoting crime reference 46/11120/21

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