Local News

Kent Police are appealing for witnesses to a serious collision on the M20 near Maidstone shortly afer 5am on Sunday (6th December) morning.

A red Nissan Qashqai was driving along the Junction 7 (A249) slip-on road of the London-bound M20 when the vehicle was involved in a collision with a red Mercedes articulated lorry.  The driver of the Nissan, a 74-year-old woman from Maidstone, died at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed.

A 39-year-old man from the Czech Republic was arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody.

Investigating officer DS Scott Lynch, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, told SFM News: "I would like to thank those witnesses who have come forward already. If there are people who saw either vehicle before the collision, I would urge them to contact us. Witnesses can contact SCIU on 01622 798538 quoting DJ/209/15".

Swale Detectives, investigating a violent robbery in Queenborough, have issued an e-fit image of a man they want to speak to.

Police were called on Wednesday 28th October following reports that three men had smashed their way into a caravan, located inside Argent Business Park, off Argent Road. The incident occurred between 1am and 2am.

The caravan was occupied by a man and a woman who had been sleeping when the offenders initially began banging on the door. After smashing their way in the men demanded they be given access to another unit nearby. It is reported the victims were threatened with a hammer during their ordeal. One of the victims, a woman in her 40s, has since required hospital treatment after being kicked in the stomach.

The men eventually fled, stealing only a Samsung mobile phone. It is believed they drove away in a white van, possibly a Vauxhall Vivaro or a Renault Traffic. All the males are believed to have been wearing hoodies and/or baseball caps. One of the suspects is described as being white, aged in his 20s and of slight build. He was around 5ft 9ins tall and clean shaven. Another suspect was also white and of similar age. He had a larger build and was around 5ft 11ins tall.

Detective Constable Jo Kirkham told SFM News: 'Although we are treating this as an isolated incident it was a particularly horrific ordeal for the victims, which has left them frightened for their safety. I would urge anyone with any information to contact the police as soon as possible.'

Anyone with any information should call 01634 792592, quoting reference XY/37749/15 or alternatively they can contact Kent Crimestoppers free (from any landline) and anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Swale Detectives have charged two men in connection with alleged distraction burglaries in the local area.

Police made two separate arrests after receiving reports that people had tricked their way into homes to steal items. The first arrest was made after officers responded to an incident in Foxley Road, Sittingbourne at around 2.35pm, on Friday 23rd October. Joseph Smith, aged 34, of Lucks Lane, Chart Sutton, was charged with two counts of burglary and an attempted burglary with intent to steal.

The charges are in connection with the following reported incidents:

- Attempted burglary in Stanhope Avenue, Sittingbourne, on Wednesday 21st October
- Burglary in Stanhope Avenue, Sittingbourne, on Wednesday 21st October
- Burglary in Foxley Road, Queenborough, Friday 23rd October (as mentioned above)

He appeared via virtual court on Monday 26th October where he was remanded in custody until he is due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court next Friday (13th November).

The second arrest, which is unrelated to the arrest on the 23rd October, was made after police received a report of a burglary in Alma Road, Sheerness, on Sunday 25th October. Officers carried out enquiries and arrested a suspect on the same day. Nicholas Peter Michael Mitchell, aged 36, of Marine Parade in Sheerness, was charged with burglary. He has been bailed to appear at Maidstone Magistrates' Court on Monday 16th November.

To find out more information on distraction burglary and what you can do to avoid becoming a victim, please visit the advice pages on the Kent Police website: http://www.kent.police.uk/advice/home/bogus_callers_rogue_traders.html

A member of the 2nd Sittingbourne Guides is celebrating after receiving the highest accolade for Guides - the Baden-Powell Challenge Award.

Jade Dowsett, from Sittingbourne, chose to complete a range of exciting activities to achieve the award, including playing life-size Monopoly around Canterbury while away on her adventure weekend and Co-ordinating and presenting a fashion show with her fellow Guides.

Jade told the SFM News Team: "I'm really proud to have completed my Baden-Powell Challenge Award because it has taken more than a 18 months of hard work to get it. As part of the award, I had to work with lots of new Guides which I found very daunting. Our unit was very small but has grown dramatically over the time it has taken me to complete the award. I was pretty nervous, but I took time to get to know each of the younger Guides and gain their respect, this has given me so much confidence and lots of new friends!"

The group's Leader, Lesley Taylor told the SFM News Team: "I'm very proud of Jade for completing her Baden-Powell Award. I was overwhelm with pride as I have never had the honour of presenting a BP award before. She has been truly dedicated to achieving this award, and I'm sure this is something she will look back on with pride for years to come."

Jade, aged 16, received the award during a special presentation event on Friday (23rd October) at Kemsley Community Centre. The Baden-Powell Challenge is the highest award available to Guides - Girlguiding's section for girls aged between 10 and 16. The challenge is divided into five sections, including healthy lifestyles and global awareness. Girls can choose which activities they want to do within each section, from researching the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to giving a presentation on a world issue of their choice. To complete the award, Guides take part in an adventure weekend, during which they face various set challenges, trying new things and pushing themselves outside their comfort zone.

Girlguiding opens up a world of opportunities to girls and young women aged five to 25, offering a hugely varied programme incorporating everything from world issues and science to social action, adventure sports and international travel. The charity builds girls' confidence and raises their aspirations, giving them their own space to have fun and build friendships. For further information about Girlguiding and how to get involved call 0800 169 5901 or visit www.girlguiding.org.uk.