by Lynn Cox

Six men were arrested in early-morning raids in Weeds Wood, Chatham, for racially aggravated harassment offences.

Officers from Medway police executed warrants at several address on the estate in raids today.

Five men aged 18, 19, 20, 27 and 46, were arrested in connection with racially aggravated harassment.

A another man, 22, was arrested in connection with witness intimidation and the theft of a motor vehicle.

The 19, 27 and 46 year old men were also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause on explosion and witness intimidation.

The explosion relates to an alleged incident when an airbed was blown up on Yarrow Road, Chatham on Wednesday, July 29. No one was injured in the incident.

Detective Inspector Ann Lisseman said: “We planned these early morning arrests to cause disruption to those people we would like to speak with.
“We have made these arrests following ongoing reports of racial harassment in the area.
“Kent Police will not tolerate this kind of offence in any way.
“We would like to reassure the community that we will act on issues that are raised to us.”

The men are being questioned at Medway Police Station.