An eight-year-old girl was among a group of people caught shoplifting from town centre stores.

Police say she had been seen taking cosmetics from Boots in the Sandgate Road branch in Folkestone.

She was spoken to in the presence of her family and made to return the items.

Officers revealed this disturbing case after carrying out a blitz on shoplifters in Folkestone town centre throughout Wednesday.

Extra patrols were brought into the area and three adults were arrested in separate incidents during the day.

Plain clothes and uniformed officers from the town's Community Safety Unit worked with shops to deter and detain potential thieves.

Officers spotted a man who was wanted for stealing steaks from a supermarket in April.

The 37-year-old was arrested and later charged with theft and assaulting an emergency worker before being sent to court the following day.

A 28-year-old man who was wanted for failing to comply with his probation requirements was also seen in Folkestone, arrested and sent to court.

Three people were also stopped and searched, leading to a 31-year-old woman being arrested on suspicion of dealing cocaine. Another person was given a community resolution for possession of cannabis.

During the day, officers visited and spoke to shop staff, providing crime prevention advice and hearing any concerns.

Det Insp James Wyles, of Folkestone Community Safety Unit, said: 'It was good to hear from businesses around the town, picking up information that will help us in future and providing advice to prevent thefts.

“The extra officers deployed led to the arrest of one suspected shoplifter and the increased presence also saw two others arrested for separate offences.

“We'll continue operations of this kind to protect local shops and keep the town centre the safe and vibrant place it is.”