Local News

Kent Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of three people stranded in flood water on North Lane in Faversham earlier today (Tuesday 4th January).

Three fire engines were sent to the scene at around 1:30pm and when crews arrived they were found stranded within two separate vehicles.

Firefighters wearing dry suits entered the water to rescue the occupants and lead them to safety.

The public are being advised to avoid any roads that are flooded, and to take extra care by following a few simple steps:

• Avoid driving or walking through flood water – it’s often deeper than it looks

• Don't ignore signs about road closures due to flooding

• Consider your safety at all times and don’t take unnecessary risks on the roads

• In the event of flooding, please only call 999 if there is a risk to life, you need rescuing, or if your property is flooding

Investigators are appealing for witnesses to a disturbance on Christmas Day (Saturday 25th December) in Sheerness.

The incident happened in a car park near Trinity Road. At around 6.50am, it is alleged several people were involved in an altercation during which damage was caused to two cars.

Kent Police patrols attended the scene where those involved had left prior to their arrival. Following enquiries, a car was stopped by officers at junction 5 of the M2, at around 9.10am.

Five men in the vehicle were arrested on suspicion of affray. A sixth man located near the scene of the disturbance was detained in connection with the supply of controlled drugs.

PC Josh Davidson, of Sittingbourne CID, told SFM News: ‘We believe there were several members of the public in the area at the time of the disturbance and are appealing to any witnesses to contact our appeal line. Motorists with any dashcam or any residents who have private CCTV are also asked to check for footage that may assist our investigation."

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01795 419119, quoting crime reference 46/264885/21 or, alternatively, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, FREE and anonymously, on 0800 555111 or by using the anonymous form on their website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-ano... .

All six arrested men were later bailed to return to the police station on Friday 21st January 2022.

Two men are in custody having been arrested on suspicion of attempting to steal cabling.

At around 2.35am yesterdat (Thursday 23rd December) Kent Police were notified that an alarm at an industrial site in Water Lane, Faversham, had been activated.

As a Kent Police patrol travelled towards the scene, they noticed a van being driven in the general vicinity. The van was travelling in the opposite direction and is reported to have accelerated when the constables turned their patrol car around.

It stopped when it was requested to do so in London Road at around 2.50am and a search of the vehicle led to officers locating heavy duty tools and hydraulic cutting equipment. While these searches were taking place, the attending officers also received notification that damage had been caused to cabling at a nearby industrial site.

Two men, aged 27 and 46, were subsequently arrested on suspicion of attempted theft, going equipped for theft and criminal damage.

They remain in custody as enquiries continue.

Officers are appealing for information after a man was charged over a robbery and collision in Sittingbourne.

At around 4.50pm last Saturday (11th December), a man was reportedly robbed of his car in London Road before it was involved in a two-vehicle collision.

No serious injuries were reported in the first collision, following which another attempted robbery was reported of another car nearby.

John Brazil has since been charged with robbery, attempted robbery, two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and dangerous driving in relation to the incident.

The 32-year-old, of The Street, Ickham, Canterbury, appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday (13th December) and was remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday 10th January 2022.

A 45-year-old man Sittingbourne was also arrested following the incident and he has been released on bail, pending further enquiries, until Thursday 6th January 2022.

An investigation is ongoing, and officers believe there were witnesses to the incident who have not yet spoken to police.

Anyone who saw the incident, or who has mobile phone or dashcam footage which may assist, is asked to call Kent Police on 01795 419119 quoting 46/255503/21. Or, alternatively,  they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers FREE and anonymously on 0800 555 111 or complete the online form on their website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-ano... .