Police investigating a series of suspected car thefts by masked men have charged a suspect.

A motorist reported being attacked after stopping briefly at Dartford Heath earlier this month.

It is alleged a group of men wearing face masks smashed his car window and assaulted him, before stealing his vehicle during the evening September 4.

Police were then contacted after a second victim reported being assaulted by men wearing face coverings, with his car being stolen at Rochester Way on September 8.

Detectives investigating the incidents say they arrested a suspect on Friday (September 13).

They also seized a suspected stolen vehicle and a car key.

Thomas Ripley, of Star Lane, Orpington was later charged on suspicion of two robberies.

He was also charged with an attempted burglary at a property in Colt Stead, New Ash Green, on August 21.

The 28-year-old appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on the following day.

He was remanded to a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on October 11.