A police officer narrowly avoided serious injury after a lead ball bearing was launched at him from a riverside bridge.

The item, thrown from the Broadway bridge at around 2.20pm on Tuesday, struck the officer on the hand while he was patrolling a boat on the River Medway in Maidstone.

Chief Inspector Nick Sparkes, from Kent Police’s Tactical Operations Command, said: "If the ball bearing had struck the officer in the face or head it could easily have led to a serious injury.

"We want to ascertain the full circumstances leading up to this and are keen to speak with the two young men seen on the bridge in the moments leading up to this incident.

"I am appealing for anyone who may have information to get in contact with us."

Anyone with information is asked to call the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100 quoting 12-1110.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.