Detectives want to track down five key witnesses after a bag was stolen from a motorist who then crashed into multiple cars.

Police say a man reportedly approached a car in Station Road, Margate, and snatched the item from inside the vehicle.

But as the motorist attempted to drive away, the car crashed into a number of parked vehicles before passersby rushed to the scene and the bag was recovered.

The man who reportedly stole the bag then got into a silver Mercedes, which was driven away from the scene.

The suspect is described as Eastern European, about 5ft 2ins tall, with short greying hair.

He was wearing a denim jacket and brown trousers and is thought to have injured his ankle in the incident.

The robbery happened near Margate railway station at about 9.30pm Tuesday, July 25.

A police spokesman said: “Detectives from Margate CID are keen to trace five potential witnesses who may have useful information.

“The first is a man in a blue jacket and light trousers who was seen riding a bicycle towards Westbook around the time of the offence.

“The second is the driver of a blue BMW who is believed to have driven past at around the time the incident occurred.

“Officers are also keen to speak to three people seen walking towards Margate together around that time; a dark-haired man in black trousers and jacket; a woman with a blue skirt, white top and cardigan and beige sandals; and a man in dark trousers and top, grey jacket and green cap.”

Anyone with any information is urged to call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/133259/23.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on its website.