A woman was threatened by a man wielding a hammer during an attempted robbery this morning.

The victim, in her 40s, was walking towards the mini roundabout in Belmont Road near Whitstable Cricket Ground at around 5am when she was approached.

The man asked for her bag several times.

After she refused and screamed, the suspect, described as a clean-shaven white man in his late 30s, ran off empty-handed in the direction of Millstrood Road.

He was reportedly wearing a dark hooded top with writing on it and dark trousers.

No physical contact was made.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information should call police on 01843 222289 quoting ZY/53990/18.