A man is due before magistrates today after a Kent Police officer was seriously injured in a suspected hit and run in Larkfield on Saturday night.

The officer was carrying out a routine stop when he was struck by a gold Volkswagen Golf in London Road at around 6.45pm.

The driver then left the scene, sparking a major manhunt.

On Sunday Lewis Goldswain from Vicarage Road, Halling was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, after handing himself in at Maidstone Police Station.

The 27-year-old was yesterday charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He will appear before Medway Magistrates' Court via video link todayfor a remand hearing.

The officer, a local constable based at Tonbridge police station, was taken to a London hospital where he is in a serious yet stable condition.

The A20 was closed by the junction with New Hythe Lane until the early hours of Sunday morning.

Officers were reportedly searching the Leybourne Lakes area with sniffer dogs and a police helicopter was seen circling the area.

It happened outside the Wealden Hall, but the restaurant remained open while police cordoned off the road and began forensic investigations.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Kent Police would like to thank members of the public for all their help, best wishes and responses so far."

Anyone who witnessed the incident should call Kent Police on 01634 884 010 quoting reference number 261607.

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