A man has been charged in connection with a raid on a petrol station.

Police were called to the Esso garage in King’s Road, Herne Bay, yesterday after cigarettes were stolen and staff reportedly threatened by a man wearing a balaclava.

A man was arrested nearby and has since been charged with robbery.

Michael Jones, of Guildhall Street, has also been charged with assaulting a woman in Herne Bay on Saturday and stealing jewellery and handbags from her.

The 29-year-old is also charged with possession of cannabis in the town yesterday.

He appeared before Medway Magistrates' Court today and was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on August 10.

The Esso station was closed yesterday after the raid, which happened at about 9.50am, and police remained at the scene.

There was a huge police presence in the area and officers stormed Richmond Street near the Salvation Army building.

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Read more: All the latest news from Herne Bay