AN 18-year-old man was forced to walk to a cash machine to withdraw money by a robber armed with a knife.

Detectives say the victim was approached in High Street, Chatham, by a man who approched him asking for the time.

After issuing threats and showing the victim he was carrying a knife, the robber accompanied the teenager to the nearby cash machine at the NatWest Bank.

The robber left with the cash and the man’s Nokia phone in the direction of Railway Street.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. The incident happened on Wednesday, July 19, between 2.10am and 2.30am.

The robber is described as black (afro-caribbean), about 5ft 9in tall with short or shaved hair. He was in his late 20s or early 30s. He was wearing dark sunglasses broken on one side, a dark-blue hooded top and tracksuit bottoms.

Det Con Robin Stump said: “It may not have been immediately obvious to passers-by that a robbery was taking place.

"But if you remember seeing these two, one black and one considerably younger white man, between the Theatre Royal and the bank, of if you think you know someone who matches the description, I would like to hear from you as you could help me to identify the robber.”

The telephone number to ring is 01634 884141. Alternatively, witnesses can call Kent Crimestopppers on 0800 555111 who will pass information to Det Con Stump.