SIX men have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft following a series of break-ins at convenience stores.

Large quantities of cigarettes were taken during the burglaries, all in the Maidstone area.

Two of the men arrested, one aged 23 and the other 28, have appeared before a court charged with burglary and theft.

The other four have been released on police bail to return to Maidstone Police Station on October 3.

Kent police have been investigating a series of burglaries at properties including Loose Post Office, Teston Post Office, the BP garage at Bearsted, and the Co-op at Maidstone's Northumberland Parade.

More than £2,000 worth of cigarettes were stolen at the Co-op at Northumberland Parade overnight on September 3.