A postmaster is in hospital after being attacked by a machete-wielding robber.

The shopkeeper received serious injuries to his hands during the raid at Kingsleys post office and newsagents in Kingsley Road, Maidstone, yesterday evening. He is being treated at East Grinstead Hospital.

People reported seeing a masked man running from the scene after the robbery at 6.50pm in which a laptop computer was stolen.

Police arrested a 33-year-old local man shortly after, who remains in custody.

The Collis Millennium Green and alleyways around the area were closed today while officers carried out a search.

The store remains closed this morning.