POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a gang of robbers wielding hammers raided a post office in Bean.

Sixty-one-year-old Frank Miles was behind the counter at the post office and general store he has owned for 23 years in Southfleet Road, when a gang burst in shortly before 3pm on Monday (January 9).

Three robbers with their faces covered came into the shop while one waited in a grey one-series BMW outside. Mr Miles said they were carrying a sledge hammer and a claw hammer.

All three wore dark clothing - possibly boiler suits - balaclavas and white trainers. One wore one pink glove and one grey glove and two of them are believed to be white.

Mr Miles said: “They smashed in the window [of the post office booth], forced their way through and assaulted me – they took what money there was.

“I managed to phone the police and they smashed the phone up. The guy that was sitting in the car pipped the horn and they ran out.”

Mr Miles suffered cuts and bruises but did not require hospital treatment. The thieves took around £2,000 in cash and cigarettes.

Contact Kent Police with information on 01474 366089 or call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.