A man has been arrested after three women were targeted for their handbags in as many hours.

The string of attempted muggings happened in Kennington, Ashford, on Friday morning as the victims, two of whom were in there 70s, walked alone.

The suspect drew up to one woman in her 40s and tried grabbing her bag in an alleyway alongside the Heathfield Estate near Canterbury Road at about 7.40am.

But she resisted and the would-be-mugger fled empty-handed towards the estate.

Just moments later a woman, in here 70s, walked down Cemetery Lane towards the cycle path crossing the M20 at Junction 9, with her bag at about 8am.

A man walked past then turned and attempted to grab the bag. However, despite being dragged to the ground suffering grazes to her elbows and knees, she fought him off.

Nothing was reported stolen, police said.

'All three robberies took place in the same area of Ashford...'

Another woman in her late 70s walked along Bockhanger Lane at about 10.20am when she was targeted.

She tried to resist but the suspect fled with her belongings, including cash, keys and cards, towards Grosvenor Road.

The victim was not injured but was shaken up. Police are treating the three cases as linked.

Following a manhunt and media appeal over the weekend, officers arrested a 21-year-old man from Ashford.

He has since been bailed until December 16, while officers continue to investigate.

Police are still keen to hear from anyone who saw anything or who has information that could help with their inquiries.

They would still like any CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that may have been captured in those locations around the time of the offences.

Anyone with information should call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 03-0177 for Canterbury Road, 03-0567 for Cemetery Lane or 03-0335 for Bockhanger Lane.

You can also contact Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111 or by visiting its website.