A man has been charged with raping a woman and has appeared in court and remanded in custody.

Kent Police was called at 5.45am on Thursday (July 18) after reports a woman, in her 20s, said she had been raped by a man in the Marlborough Road area of Gillingham.

Forensic officers and several emergency vehicles were at the scene of a “police incident” in the area throughout the morning.

The bottom of Marlborough Road was cordoned off by the force near the Falcon Cafe in both directions with the surrounding streets also shut.

Officers arrested a man in connection with the incident later the same day.

Brandon Godden, 25, of Jeffery Street, Gillingham, has since been charged with rape.

He appeared before Medway Magistrates' Court on Saturday (July 20).

And he was remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on August 16.

Police say they are urging people to come forward if they were in the area between midnight and 6am on Thursday (July 18).

Anyone with dashcam footage, or residents with private CCTV or doorbell footage, who has not yet spoken to officers, is also being urged to get in touch.

People with information should call Kent Police on 01634 792209, quoting reference 46/118943/24.

Residents can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete their online form.