Neighbours feeling “anxious” about leaving their home after a man was spotted wielding a knife are being urged to help police with their investigation.

A number of residents in Kennington, Ashford, reported seeing a man holding the weapon on Sunday evening.

It has now been confirmed officers were called to the area.

A spokesman for the force said: “We were called following a report a man with a knife had attempted to steal another man’s mobile phone in Bockhanger Lane between 5pm and 5.30pm on Sunday.

“The victim left the area without handing over any of his belongings and inquiries into the incident are ongoing.”

Speaking online shortly after the incident, one person said: “It’s making me on edge. Especially when you have kids and go on dog walks.”

A second person commented: “Had a neighbour knock on my door.

“Apparently there is a man going round with a knife in the Hurst Road area.

“Police have brought a few of my neighbours’ kids back home, as they were concerned he is still about.”

Anyone with information is being urged to call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/95094/24.

The appeal comes just days after a man’s body was found in a separate incident in Kennington.

A man in his 30s was found dead at Ashford Rugby Club on Saturday morning.

Police were called to Kinney’s Lane at about 4.20am and say the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Officers taped off a footpath that runs next to the club for a number of hours.