A senior Kent police officer will not be prosecuted for shoplifting, it's been revealed.

Supt Rachel Adams, 46, has been suspended from duties at Medway police station, where she is area commander.

It comes after she was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting in Kings Hill on August 27.

But after papers were submitted by police to the CPS, prosecutors have decided not to take the matter further as they believe a prosecution wouldn't be successful.

The allegation was thought to involve items - including cosmetics - believed to be worth around £30 from an Asda store near West Malling.

Supt Adams was arrested at her home, in the Maidstone area.

She has headed Medway police since being appointed in June last year, but remains suspended from police duties pending a decision on any disciplinary proceedings.

Her job is being filled by a female colleague while the investigation continues.

Supt Adams is vice-chairman of the Medway Community Safety Partnership, but has been temporarily stood down due to her suspension.

The organisation comprises police, council and others, who work together to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.

Supt Rachel Adams is alleged to have shoplifted at Asda, in Kings Hill

Supt Adams has previously been deputy area commander in the West Kent area and has been a detective chief inspector in Swale.