Local News

Detectives, investigating a report of an assault in Lower Halstow in August, have released an efit image of a man they would like to speak to.

A 17-year-old boy from Maidstone suffered serious injuries in the incident which happened at around 2.30am on Tuesday 5th August in Breach Lane. It was reported that the victim had attended a party and when he was outside, he was approached by three men. Following a brief dispute, a fight broke out and the boy suffered a suspected stab wound. He was taken to a London hospital by air ambulance to be treated for his injuries.

The suspect is described as a bald white man, aged between 18 and 21, about 6ft tall and of heavy build. He was wearing a black hooded top and black shorts with white stripes.

Detective Constable Nichole Carter, investigating officer at Kent Police, told SFM News: "investigations are ongoing and I would still encourage anyone who has information but has not yet spoken to the police to get in touch. We have released an efit image of a man we would like to speak to and I would ask anyone who thinks they recognise this man to contact the police".

Anyone who recognises the efit image, or has information about this incident, is asked to contact DC Nichole Carter at Kent Police by calling 01634 792637 and quoting reference XY/27756/14. Alternatively, they can call Kent Crimestoppers free (from any landline) and anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A man has been charged in connection with a fire at a farm on the Isle Of Sheppey.

David Staples, aged 44 and of Kingsnorth Road in Gillingham, was charged on Wednesday (10th September) with one count of arson in relation to a fire at a property in Plough Road, Eastchurch, on last Wednesday (3rd September) which destroyed 5 stables and 10 tonnes of hay.

He was also charged with five counts of possessing indecent images.

Staples appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court yesterday (Thursday 11th September) and was remanded in custody to appear before Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 26th September.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Humpheryes told SFM News: "The entire Sheppey community has been understandably concerned about recent farm fires. I would like to reassure the public that we are taking these incidents extremely seriously and have been working closely with Kent Fire and Rescue Service. We will be meeting with the victims to update them on the situation and I would urge residents to allow police to continue with their investigations into the other fires."

Kent Police has taken on 100 new cuddly recruits thanks to a generous donation by the Swale Knit and Natter Group.

Police Constable Darren Chapman visited members of the group in Sittingbourne on Wednesday 27th August to receive the new cuddly toys, which will be used under the Roads Policing Unit's Trauma Teddies scheme.

All traffic vehicles now carry the Trauma Teddies which are given to youngsters up to the age of six when they are trapped in a vehicle or involved in a collision either as a passenger or pedestrian.

PC Chapman came up with the idea after having attended many distressing collisions involving young people. He told the SFM News Team: "I was delighted to meet the ladies from Swale Knit and Natter and accept their generous donation. They heard about Trauma Teddies scheme earlier this year and wanted to help and, over the course of the last few months, handmade over 100 knitted toys.I was able to spend some time with the ladies and explain how the scheme works and thank them for their donations and time they spent on creating some very good quality cuddly toys. It's always more difficult when young children are involved in a collision because you cannot always explain what is happening to them. Fear and confusion can overwhelm them and sometimes all they need is comfort and reassurance rather than the type of explanation you would give an adult."

The Swale Knit and Natter group meets every Wednesday morning, between 10.30am and 12 Noon and every Thursday evening between 5.45 and 7.45pm, at Sittingbourne Library on Central Avenue and are always looking for new members.

Kent Police detectives have arrested a man in connection with a number of reported arsons across the Isle of Sheppey.

In a pre-planned operation, officers executed a warrant in Queens Road, Minster-On-Sea and arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of arson, who remains in police custody.

Detectives are investigating farm fires on Lower Road in Minster on Friday 1st August and Queenborough Road in Queenborough on Sunday 17th August. Officers remain at the scene at a blaze in Elm Lane, Minster, reported at around 1.25am earlier today (Friday 22nd August).

Swale District Commander, Chief Inspector Tony Henley, told SFM News: "I recognise how distressing these mindless and destructive fires are and I would like to reassure the residents of Sheppey, and in particular the farming community, that we are committed to catching those responsible. Alongside the criminal investigation my officers are speaking to the farming community and those affected and offering support and advice at this time. We have one person in custody today. However, we have a number of lines of enquiry ongoing and there are other people we would like to speak to in connection with these incidents. I would urge anybody with any information about these incidents to contact the investigating officer, PC Robin Stump, on 07980 683675​, quoting crime reference XY/029871/14. Alternatively, if you would prefer to remain anonymous you can call Kent Crimestoppers free (from any landline) and anonimously on 0800 555111."