ARMED cops swooped after an "erratic" man armed with a chainsaw attacked a bookies in Ashford tonight.

Stunned punters watched in horror as a man slashed at the shop windows and threatened bystanders with the power tool at around 8pm.

Staff at the Coral bookmakers in Castle Street said the attacker wore a t-shirt over his head.

Pictures show damage to the bookies' window and a lamppost outside.

The attacker slashed at the shop before threatening two people in the area.

Stunned locals took to social media to describe the drama.

One wrote: "Stay safe if you're in Ashford tonight. Erratic man destroying things up the town with a chainsaw."

Others thought the man was wielding an angle-grinder, as they warned others to stay away from the area.

Photographer Richard Grebby said; "Maniac in Ashford town centre with a grinder."

Cops are now hunting the man who fled the scene.

It is not known what sparked the attack.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "No injuries have been reported and at present no arrests have been made, however officers remain in the area conducting enquiries."