Sittingbourne

Computer-generated images of a man have been released by detectives investigating a spate of distraction burglaries in the Sittingbourne and Newington areas.

All three burglaries, which are being linked by detectives, were reported to Kent Police on Monday 12th August.

A body was found on the mainline near Sittingbourne railway station last night (Monday 12th August) at around 11.15 pm.

British Transport Police have told SFM News: "Officers attended the scene last night and located the body of a man with injuries consistent with having been hit by a train. Medics from the South East Coast Ambulance Service attended but the man, thought to be in his fifties and from the local area, was pronounced dead at the scene. The death is currently being treated as non-suspicious."

Two bus drivers from Sheerness took the top places in the regional final of the Bus Driver of the Year competition, at North Weald Airfield in Essex, on Sunday 28th July.

They were part of a ten-strong contingent from Arriva's Southern Counties region that took part in a series of manoeuvring and theory tests designed to find the best three drivers to represent the company at the national finals of the competition to be held in Blackpool in early September.

Two men have been charged in connection with a rape in Sittingbourne in the early hours of Sunday (14th July) morning.

Kent Police have confirmed that they were called at just before 3.40am on Sunday to reports of a rape of a 36-year-old local woman in Dover Street.

Maksim Volkon, aged 32 and of Merleburgh Drive and Vitalijs Alehovics, aged 26, of Periwinkle Close, both in Sittingbourne, have been jointly charged with rape.

Kent Police have released a computer generated image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with a distraction burglary in Sittingbourne.

Detectives are investigating the incident which is believed to have taken place between 3.40pm and 4pm on Wednesday 3rd July, in Cellar Hill, Lynsted.

Kent County Council (KCC) are planning to change the way they deliver Children's Centre services throughout the county and have begun a consultation on the possible closure of the Woodgrove Children's Centre on Johnson Road here in Sittingbourne

A Press Release from the KCC states that "in the current economic climate efficiency savings must be made, so it is vital that the council sets out a new model for its Children's Centres which is sustainable for the long-term future". 

This year's UKP Leisure Music Festival, sponsored by 106.9 SFM, was the biggest and best ever with a fantastic day of weather and live bands.

106.9 SFM's Kevin Field was LIVE from Midday at the event, soaking up the ocassion with interviews backstage and with the events organisers. Headlining this year were Jam Sandwich, Skadecat and Ben Mill's band Benzego along with Bye George (Matt Endesby).

Cllr Sue Gent, the Mayor of Swale, officially opened the show at 15:00hrs live on 106.9 SFM.

Police have released a computerised image of a man they are keen to speak with in relation to a sexual assault in the Sittingbourne area.

The incident occurred in Meeres Court Lane on the Great East Hall Estate at around 6.15pm on Friday 14th June, when a 42-year-old woman was walking her dog and noticed a man walking past her. It is then reported that as she walked a little furthershe was pushed to the ground and sexually assaulted.

Despite strong winds, and a forecast of rain that didn't materialise, a great time was had by all at this year's Sittingbourne Carnival on Saturday (22nd June).

The 106.9 SFM Roadshow (in association with Green Cabs) was on hand to entertain the crowds in the High Street from 10am and live acts appearing included local bands Motto, Standing Ovation, Complicated, Stage 3 and the Inca band along with performances from flautist Jenny Cazelly and Sammies Dance.

Police have released a CCTV image of a woman they would like to speak to in connection with a bulk theft from the Dunelm Mill store on the Sittingbourne Retail Park.

The images were taken at around midday on Monday 17th June when over £500 of bedding was stolen from the store. Officers are not ruling out the possibility the theft is connected to a similar incident at around 10.30am the same day, when over £500 worth of bedding was stolen from the Dunelm store on London Road in Maidstone.