Local News

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) have confirmed that they received several calls overnight about flooding in areas including: Eastchurch, Herne Bay, Margate and Cliftonville. The majority of calls received by KFRS's emergency control room staff did not need immediate assistance. However, crews were called at 3.48am to Crown Road in Sittingbourne and used a grindex pump to move water away from some properties. They also attended an incident following a call at 6.35am. This involved a lifted storm drain in Staplehurst Road, Sittingbourne, which had created a two foot round hole in the carriageway. They used Jafco tools including sealing hooks and drag rakes to retrieve the drain cover and secure it in place.

KFRS is urging everyone, in the event of flooding, to follow basic safety tips:

• Call 999 if you believe there is a risk to life or serious property or environmental damage
• To know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water before the flood water enters your home and, if in doubt, consult your supplier 
• Check on your neighbours if its safe to do so
• To a void walking or driving in or near flood water and keep children away from flood water - there could be hidden dangers like sharp objects, raised manhole covers and pollution. Flood water is often deeper than it looks and may be moving quite fast - your vehicle could be swept away or become stranded.
• If you see a sign saying that the road is closed due to flooding, remember the sign is there for a reason and find an alternative route 
• When driving make sure you drive to suit the conditions keep lights on and speeds down, remembering road surfaces will be slippery and your braking distance will be longer
• Listen to the local radio, TV and check social media for flood warnings in your area 
• Visit the Environment Agency website for more advice, flood warnings and to sign up to their Floodline or call 0845 988 1188

A drug dealer has been jailed after cannabis, cocaine and cutting agents were seized by police following a search of his Sittingbourne home.

Richard Dawkins, aged 25, was clutching drug filled containers when he was stopped trying to flee his property in Burnham Close last year.

A search warrant was executed at the address on Friday 9th January, 2015, by officers connected to Kent Police's Operation Jupiter team. As the front door was being forced, Dawkins attempted to push past an officer waiting outside a back entrance.

He dropped two tubs he was carrying as he was being arrested. These were found to contain cannabis and a cricket sized ball of white powder. A further search of the property revealed deal bags, scales and what appeared to be a drugs cutting tool. In total, more than 80 grams of cannabis was seized, along with 10 grams of cocaine.

Large quantities of other (uncontrolled) substances including benzocaine and creatine were also recovered, along with cash in excess of £1000. Text messages on Dawkins' mobile phone provided further evidence of his drug dealing.

Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court Dawkins pleaded guilty to counts of possessing cannabis and cocaine with intent to supply. On Monday 23rd May he was sentenced to 3 years and 7 months imprisonment.

Jessica Luckhurst, aged 26, also of Burnham Close in Sittingbourne was convicted of being concerned in the supply of cannabis and cocaine. Luckhurst was given a suspended prison sentence of 12 months.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Iain Joyce, of Kent Police, told SFM News: "Dawkins was caught red-handed carrying drugs and almost 200 grams of benzocaine and creatine, substances he clearly intended to use as cutting agents for Class A drugs. It was clear that Dawkins was set up to supply significant quantities of cocaine, which would have ended up on the streets of Sittingbourne and beyond. This is another success for our Operation Jupiter team, but once again I would remind residents that their role in helping us keep communities safe remains vital, so please continue to report any suspicious behaviour."

Operation Jupiter is part of local strategy designed to tackle emerging criminal gangs, whose members often travel into the county from other areas.

The strategy includes taking robust action to deter criminals in areas including Medway, Swale, Gravesham and Dartford, often in connection with the sale and distribution of drugs.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) were called to Wrens Road in Bredgar earlier today (Wednesday 18th May) to reports of an open sided barn, containing baled hay that was well alight.

Crews used compressed air foam (CAFs) to tackle the blaze, that uses less water than traditional firefighting methods and is more environmentally sensitive providing rapid fire knockdown.

This was also sprayed on neighbouring properties to form a protective layer and prevent the fire spreading. Four fire engines and a bulk water carrier initially responded to the incident but it was reduced to two pumps at 4.00am this morning.

KFRS confirmed that one crew remained on the scene to keep a watching brief.

Eight men have been arrested, in connection with the supply of heroin and cocaine, on the Isle of Sheppey and bailed pending further enquiries.

Officers from Kent Police's Operation Jupiter team executed search warrants in both New Street and Queensway in Sheerness last Wednesday (4th May). The warrants were linked to an investigation into an organised crime network with links to Liverpool.

The suspects were all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. The men, aged between 22 and 36, have now all been bailed until Tuesday 30th August.

Detective Inspector Kevin Downard told SFM News: "The arrests and search warrants are a direct result of months of intelligence led policing, alongside the Operation Jupiter team. Our efforts to combat drugs throughout north Kent continue and I am confident these actions send strong message to criminals. Those responsible for the misery and destruction of lives connected to the supply of class A drugs will be arrested, charged and put before the courts."