Two teenagers have been charged for a number of robberies and thefts in Gravesend and Medway.

A 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy, both from Gravesend, have been charged with two robberies.

Neither can be named for legal reasons.

The first incident is reported to have taken place between 1.30pm and 1.40pm on September 25 in Gordon Place, Gravesend.

An 80-year-old woman was walking down the street with her shopping bag when she was surrounded by a group of young people.

One of them is alleged to have snatched her shopping bag and ran away with it.

The bag, which contained groceries, was later recovered, although the lady’s purse, which had in it a mobile phone and £10, was missing.

The second incident is alleged to have taken place between 10pm and 10.30pm on September 27 in alleyway by Chatham railway station.

A 23-year-old man was walking down the alleyway when he was hit on the back of his head and his shoulder bag taken.

The offenders searched the bag and stole his mobile phone.

Officers managed to arrest the teenagers shortly afterwards in Rochester High Street.

The 17-year-old has also been charged with theft and using threatening words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of distress, relating to an incident in North Street, Strood.

At around 7pm on September 27 a man had some money stolen by someone demanding his mobile phone.

Both teenagers will appear at Dartford Magistrates’ Court on 8 October.

A third teenager, another 17-year-old boy from Gravesend, was also arrested on suspicion of robbery and bailed until November 13, pending further investigation .