Sittingbourne

Swale Police officers are searching for a suspected runaway thief after being called to a report of two men travelling in a suspected stolen vehicle on Swale Way, Kemsley, at around about noon today (Wednesday 17th April).

A police spokesman told SFM News: "our officers located the van in stationary traffic and, as they approached it, two men are reported to have made off on foot."

It's believed that following a search of the local area a 17-year-old boy from the Sittingbourne area was arrested on suspicion of theft and remains in police custody.

A group of 34 Striders who took part in the Paddock Wood Half Marathon on Sunday, a fast and flat 13.1 mile course that serves as the 4th race in the Sittingbourne Striders Club Championship. Chris Lawley was the first over the line in 1hr 30mins 18secs, and bragging rights for first Lady Strider home went to Kelly Lywood in 1hr 44mins 43secs.

A smaller group took part in the Chatham Maritime 10k, led by Paul Williams who finished in 46mins 12secs and Gary Read was the sole strider taking part in the Charing Half Marathon, finishing in 1hrs 53mins 13secs.

A BIG thank to the current team at RPM Records (Danny, Megan, Stephen, Kye, George and Catherine) for coming in to see us recently.

RPM Records (at 30 West Street, Sittingbourne ME10 1AP) is a second-hand record shop run by the Fenner Frost Foundation, a registered charity supporting people with learning difficulties by helping them with the direct learning of skills to help them access paid employment opportunities. The team get involved with all aspects of running the shop form preparing and fulfilling stock, serving customers, answering phones and dealing with cash handling.

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 Kent Fire and Rescue Service were called to the A2 Keycol Hill in Bobbing earlier this afternoon.

It was following reports of a collision involving one vehicle at approximately 13:15hrs.

Two fire engines attended and crews used hydraulic rescue equipment to remove the car roof and free a man trapped inside.

He was handed into the care of South East Coast Ambulance paramedics, who were also attending the scene.

Kent Police detectives are appealing for witnesses after a handbag was reported stolen during a robbery in Sittingbourne at the weekend.

The incident is reported to have taken place in Pembury Street shortly after 9pm on Sunday (17th March).

Detective Constable Rob Feasey told SFM News: "The victim, a woman in her 40s, was by her parked car when a man asked her for the time and grabbed her handbag. During a short struggle she fell to the floor, suffering cuts to her knee, elbow and hands".

The annual selection of the Sittingbourne Carnival Court was held at the Woodcoombe Sports and Social Club in Murston on Saturday (9th March).

Four young ladies entered the competition and were judged individually by Rosie Trickey from Deal, Kingsdown and Walmer Carnival Association, Lauren McCall from the Sheppey Carnival Association, Sophie-Marie Dane - former Miss European England and Mr Terry West, President of Teynham Carnival Association.

Lydd 20 Mile Race

The Sittingbourne Striders braved the 50mph winds to take part in the Lydd 20 mile race on Sunday, a fast and flat course popular with those training for the Spring marathon season, and the third race in the Striders Club Championship.

Lee Simpson was the first Strider over the line in 2hrs21mins50secs, finishing 42nd overall. Bragging rights for the first lady Strider home went to Alison Davey, who finished in 3hrs18min45secs

Dartford Half Marathon

Scott Simpson headed a strong Sittingbourne Striders group at the Dartford Half Marathon on Sunday, braving the hills and the poor weather conditions, to complete the course in 21st place overall in a fantastic time of 1hr28mins39secs. Emma Penfold was the first lady strider to cross the line in 2hrs11min57secs

Other Runners:

The Kent Police Swale Local Policing Team 3 spent some time this morning (Monday 28th January) on the Great Easthall Estate following complaints by local residents and public transport users.

Great Easthall Way, between Freeman Drive and Oak Road, was targetted in response to drivers repeatedly contravening no entry signs and using a designated 'Bus Lane'.

19 traffic offence reports were issued, which carry a £100 fine and 3 points on the driving licence for each driver concerned.

There have been long delays on the M2 motorway at Junction 5 (Sittingbourne) this afternoon, after a broken down van caught fire.

Traffic on the London-bound carriageway was held just after the Stockbury roundabout to allow emergency services to get to the scene and deal with the blaze.

The road was closed for around an hour causing long delays. No injuries have been reported.