A woman has been left traumatised after a suspected pepper spray attack by a hooded robber at a Lower Halstow shop.

The cashier was assaulted by a young raider who targeted the Best One store, in Burntwick Drive, yesterday.

The offender struck after taking an energy drink to the counter between 11.45am and midday.

As the victim - a woman in her 50s - was ringing up the purchase, he put his hand in the open till and sprayed her shoulder and the left side of her face with what police believe is a form of pepper spray.

He pushed the woman backwards into a display of alcohol before running out of the shop.

The victim managed to call police and was taken to hospital for treatment.

It is not yet known if the robber - described as a white man aged between 18 and 20 and around 5ft 6ins - managed to steal anything.

The offender was described as clean-shaven and was wearing paint-stained jogging bottoms and a dark hooded top.

DC Stewart Catt, from Kent Police, said: "This was a nasty attack on a defenceless woman in her place of work.

"Although she was not seriously injured, she has been left traumatised and fearful to return to the shop.

"I am asking anybody who has any information whatsoever about this incident to call me on 01634 792418, quoting crime reference XY/035427/13.

"If you'd prefer to remain anonymous, you can call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

"Any piece of information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, can be a vital clue for our investigators, so please don't hesitate to come forward."