Rare gold coins worth £30,000 have been stolen in a terrifying raid in which a man was hit with a metal pole.

Robbers also slapped the victim's 11-year-old son across the face when they targeted the property in Dunton Green, near Sevenoaks.

They escaped with the valuable 18th century coins and a haul of gold sovereign coins.

The victim's terrified wife and 20-year-old son were also home at the time of the raid.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the raid, at about 10.55pm on Tuesday, or anyone who has seen the coins being offered for sale to come forward.

Detectives are also looking at a sighting of balaclava-clad men in a silver Audi near J3 of the M25 the same evening.

DC Stuart Cook said: "At this stage we believe that this offence was planned and that the offenders knew what items were in the property.

"Fortunately the victims were not seriously injured, but were understandably very shaken up by the incident.

"I would urge people to get in touch if they have any information about the sale of these valuable coins, or if they saw anything suspicious on the evening of the robbery."

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to phone DC Cook on 01732 379347, quoting crime reference YY/17281/14, or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.