THREE young thugs attempted to steal a car belonging to a 48-year-old woman as she drove out of a multi-storey car park.

Kent Police are seeking witnesses to the incident which happened in Castle Stteet at Canterbury on Monday afternoon.

The victim had been shopping and at about around 2pm returned to her car, a blue Toyota Corolla people carrier, parked in the basement.

As the woman drove out of the car park she slowed for a speed bump and three young men appeared. One of the offenders opened the car door and attempted to remove the keys from the ignition.

A second man opened the passenger door and attempted to grab her handbag from the passenger seat while another man attempted to get into the rear of the car.

The victim slammed the driver’s door on the offender’s hand before driving off and leaving the three men behind. The three were seen to run off along Rosemary Lane and into the park opposite

The offenders are all described as being aged between 15 and 16. One of them was wearing a grey hooded top, another a brown leather jacket.

Det Con Dave Wilson said: "The victim was uninjured but this was an extremely frightening incident. We understand that a middle-aged couple came forward to help the woman and that these people may have been witnesses to what happened.”

Anyone who can assist police is asked to contact DC Wilson on 01227 762055.