AN ATTACK on a traffic warden in a Kent town has been condemned as "despicably cowardly" and led to a police hunt for the culprit.

John Burns, parking services manager for Ashford Borough Council, has spoken of his disgust at the person who threw paint at the woman in High Street, Tenterden.

The search is on for the middle-aged man believed to have carried out the attack.

The warden was checking parking bays outside Fat Face when she felt something hit her on the back and a man push past her. She then saw the paint all over the back of her jacket and trousers.

Mr Burns said: “She was not injured but was shocked by the incident. Her uniform has been ruined and will have to be replaced at the expense of council taxpayers."

Mr Burns added: "I am outraged that someone would do such a despicably cowardly thing to an employee of the council who is only doing her job.

The suspect is white, in his late 40s or early 50s, of medium build and about 5ft 8in. He was wearing a brown leather jacket and jeans. The incident happened on Monday at about 1.30pm.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Folkestone police on 01303 289180.