Police waded into a river to recover items belonging to a handbag snatch victim.

Officers also swiftly arrested the suspected thief.

The drama happened on Saturday when a 23-year-old woman had her bag taken in Bank Street, Ashford.

South Kent Police spokesman Jon Green said a suspect has had been seen throwing items into a nearby river.

One officer waded through the East Stour to retrieve the victim’s belongings, which included cash and a driving licence.

The incident happened just after 5.30pm and a 42-year-old woman was arrested in Victoria Park on suspicion of theft.

She was released on bail pending further inquiries and is due to return to Ashford Police Station on June 26.