An elderly woman was hit in the face with a gun during a terrifying raid on her home - the second violent burglary in the Kent countryside in days.

Two masked thugs broke into a home in Chantler's Hill, Paddock Wood by smashing through patio doors.

A man in his 70s was pushed to the floor and a woman in her 80s suffered injuries to her face after she was struck by the butt of what police believe is an antique firearm.

Jewellery was taken from their bedroom and money was also stolen from the woman's purse. It happened around 8.30pm last Wednesday.

Detectives say the men were wearing balaclavas. One was described as having a large build and was around 6ft and the other was shorter and slimmer. Police and ambulance crews attended and the victims were taken to hospital as a precaution and later discharged.

An investigation is being led by the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad, with officers making house to house inquiries and reviewing CCTV.

Detectives are urging anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to contact them. Drivers in and around the area are also asked to check dash cams and residents with CCTV or doorbell cameras are asked to review any footage which may assist inquiries.

It comes four days after an armed robber, also believed to be carrying a gun, threatened a woman before stealing money, watches and jewellery from a home in Marden.

That suspect is still on the run. However, police say the two crimes are not being treated as linked.

Firearms officers and the police helicopter were scrambled on Saturday, August 29, following the raid at a barn in Staplehurst Road.

After forcing his way into the property and making threats, the burglar searched the property before making off with the valuables.

Neighbour Joe Baxter said: “I was just leaving my home at about 10am and when I opened the gates I was confronted by armed police.

“They asked me to get out the car and asked a lot of questions.

“When they were satisfied that I lived here, they asked me to go back inside and stay there and asked to use my garden. They were here for about two hours.

“I understand my neighbours are very distressed by the whole thing.”

Staplehurst Road was closed in both directions between The Stile Bridge and the Millbrook Garden Centre while the operation took place to locate the robber. A police helicopter was also sent up.

This suspect is described as white, of slim build and around 5ft 8ins with brown eyes. He spoke with a northern accent and was wearing dark clothing.

If you can help police with the Paddock Wood incident, call 01622 604100 quoting reference 46/156914/20.

If anyone has information on the Marden crime, contact the number above, quoting crime reference 46/154225/20

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Weald