A 68-year-old woman was subjected to a terrifying ordeal when a man got into her car brandishing a chisel.

The woman managed to escape the vehicle before the robber drove off in it, but she suffered injuries to her neck and hand during the struggle.

The raid took place at around 5.30pm yesterday in East Street, Sittingbourne.

The victim was sitting in her dark-grey Rover 416 when the offender - a white man in his early 20s - opened the passenger door and got in.

He demanded the keys and threatened her with the weapon.

The man is described as of medium build, with short, dark, wavy hair and a clear complexion. He was wearing a dark-coloured jacket.

Det Sgt Stuart Samson said: "I have never come across such a cowardly act. The victim was lucky to escape with her life and I believe the man who carried out this unprovoked, random attack needs to be caught as soon as possible.

"I would like to reassure members of the public that incidents of this nature are extremely rare and my team are working around the clock to catch the offender of this crime."

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 01795 419182 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.