An elderly woman has been seriously sexually assaulted in her own home.

The shocking incident happened at her home in Strood, on Sunday morning.

The 85-year-old was confronted by a man at her door at about 7am and he is alleged to have pushed her into the house and assaulted her before she fought him off and called for help.

Police quickly arrested a 21-year-old man from Strood the same day, who has been in police custody at Medway Police Station ever since.

Officers applied for time extensions to detain him and he is being questioned on suspicion of sexual assault.

Acting Superintendent Mick Judge said: “This is a superb example of officers from Medway Police working with Kent Police’s major crime department to secure the arrest of a suspect.

“We have been carrying out patrols in the area to speak with local residents, and I would also like to thank the community whose assistance has led to this arrest at an early stage of our continuing investigation.”