BUILDING work on a new police headquarters in Kent has reached the half way point.

Chief Constable Michael Fuller and Ann Barnes, chair of the Kent Police Authority visited the site at Thamesway, near Northfleet, to mark the occasion.

They inserted ceremonial bolts into the steel frame of the £30million building.

The new station will include 40 cells, increasing north Kent's capacity from the current 18.

It is due to be ready for occupation by early summer next year. Existing Dartford and Gravesend police stations will be closed and replaced with smaller public access offices in each town centre.

Ch Const Fuller said: "The building will offer facilities for the 21st century, allowing police in north Kent to provide a better service and help to make the area even safer."

Mrs Barnes added: "I'm confident that this will greatly improve the services on offer to local communities and also provide staff with a comfortable working environment and the tools they need to do the job."