Thieves raided a newsagent in West Malling overnight.

Kent Police say they were called at 12.40am after receiving reports that someone had gained entry to the Martin’s newsagent in the High Street.

The Kent Messenger understands that cigarettes were stolen during the burglary and the front door has been left buckled following the break-in.

A police officer managed to stop a vehicle on the M2 and arrest a male suspect who is currently in police custody.

Lauren Burgess, a hair dresser a nearby Lucas Hair, said: “I walked past the shop at about 8.40am and I could see lots of police officers outside.

“There was a forensics team looking at the door way and outside there was a box of Kit Kat Chunkies on the floor.”

Annie Lucas, owner of the High Street hairdresser, added: “I have been here for about six years and have seen five or six incidents like this over that time.

“Last year Andrew Smith Jewellers (also in the High Street) had it happen to them twice.

“We don’t have a police base here and I think it takes about 20 minutes for them to get here.”

More information to follow.