A man has been arrested after reports on social media of a "dangerous prowler" targeting two homes.

Residents in Gravesend took to Facebook to express their concerns after a man wearing dark clothing and carrying a large bag was spotted acting suspiciously in various streets near the Lion Garage roundabout.

Kent Police confirmed that his behaviour, which included trying to spit at an occupant of a house in Bellman Avenue and throwing a stone, had been reported.

Officers have now arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of burglary at a property in Marsh View, Gravesend.

He is currently in custody, detained under the Mental Health Act.

Concerns were posted on two online community groups, Gravesend News and Streetlife, with the headline 'Prowler'.

One labelled the man, who was wearing a black hooded top and jogging bottoms with white trainers, as "disturbed and dangerous" and had been reportedly seen trying to force entry into houses in Bellman Avenue before heading to Abbey Road and Old Road East.

He said the man had opened the porch door and tried walking into the house before being challenged. However, it was claimed he then threw a rock at the homeowner's car before walking away.

A resident on Gravesend News posted that she believed the same man had walked into her home earlier in the day before she confronted him and pushed him out of the door.

The incident was captured on CCTV and shared on Facebook, to be viewed more than 3,000 times.

Kent Police confirmed that it was called at 5.27pm on Saturday, June 11 to a report of a man acting suspiciously in Bellman Avenue.

A spokesman said: "The man is reported to have let himself into the porch of an address, where he was challenged by the occupant and asked to leave.

"The man is then reported to have attempted to spit at the occupant before entering the front garden of the property next door. When challenged by the same man, he is reported to have thrown a stone in his direction before walking away.

"A man fitting a similar description is also reported to have entered a property in Marsh View, Gravesend, at about 4.30pm the same day. However, nothing was reported stolen.

"Local officers are aware of the reports and urge anyone who has information or wishes to report any further incidents to do so by calling 101."

General crime prevention advice was issued by police which included double-locking uPVC doors and windows, keeping keys, cash and expensive items out of sight, using timer switches on lights and radios to make it look like someone is home, keeping garden gates locked and boundaries secure and locking sheds and garages as bikes, tools and garden items could be stolen or used to break into homes.

Go to www.kent.police.uk for further hints and tips.