A 40-year-old Deal man, named locally as Peter Branch has been arrested in Belgium,

believed to be on drug smuggling charges.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are aware of the arrest of a British national on January 31 in Belgium and we have offered consular assistance.

“On background, he was arrested in Bruges.”

It is believed Mr Branch, who is known by the nickname ‘Twiggy’, was caught allegedly smuggling a large quantity of heroin.

A former Walmer School pupil, Mr Branch has lived in Telegraph Road.

He is popular around Deal and a wave of supportive comments have been posted on his Facebook page from family and friends.

For the full story, see this week's East Kent Mercury, out tomorrow.