Two suspected thieves have been arrested after more than £10,000 worth of telephone cable was stolen.

The theft meant villagers in Mereworth, near Maidstone, were left without internet access and unable to use their mobile devices.

Between May 9 and 10, around 500 metres of cable thought to be worth around £12,000 was stolen from a location near The Street overnight.

£3,000 worth of damage was also reportedly caused to farmland.

After reviewing ANPR data, police identified several vehicles suspected to be involved in the theft. One was later seized from the East Peckham area.

Less than 24 hours later, two men in their 20s were arrested and a subsequent search led to the recovery of cabling and tools.

Paul Webb, of Chorley Wood Crescent, Orpington, was later charged with theft and criminal damage.

On Monday (May 13) the 28-year-old appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court.

He remains in custody pending a further hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on June 10.

The second suspect has been bailed until August 5 pending further enquiries.