A man fought off a would-be robber who threatened him with what is thought to have been a handgun.

The victim kicked the offender in the chest before fleeing the scene in Chatham and phoned police.

He was approached by the man who asked him for the time as he walked along Maidstone Road early on Saturday.

The offender then lifted up his jumper and threatened the victim - revealing what is believed to have been a handgun in the waistband of his jeans.

Having kicked the would-be robber in the chest, the man ran to the Tesco garage in Maidstone Road and raised the alarm.

Now Kent Police have released an efit (above right) of a man they are hunting.

Officers said the offender was described as a dark-skinned man, about 24, 5ft 6ins tall with short dark brown hair and was unshaven.

He was wearing a dark blue zip-up knitted cardigan, dark blue baggy jeans with writing underneath the pockets.

PC Karen Wigley said: "Although we would praise this man's actions and are pleased he escaped unharmed, we would encourage
people to contact us rather than putting themselves in danger.

"This was an isolated incident, but would urge any witnesses or members of the public to come forward if they recognise the image of this offender."

Anyone with information is asked to phone PC Wigley on 101, quoting reference XY/5114/13, or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.