A teenager has been arrested after a parking attendant was mowed down by a suspected stolen electric bike.

The incident, which saw the woman taken to hospital with a head injury, happened at around 12.30pm on Thursday in Brewer Street, Maidstone.

Rumours circulated online the female worker was beaten up, but this was denied by police and Maidstone Borough Council.

Just after midday officers saw a 16-year-old boy on a suspected stolen electric cycle and asked him to stop.

The youngster made off from police and mowed down the parking attendant further down the road.

She was taken to hospital and received medical attention for a head injury.

A police spokesman added: "The cyclist is alleged to have left the scene on foot and was arrested in Station Road on suspicion of theft, failing to stop after a collision, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through alcohol or drugs.

"The 16-year-old was later bailed to return to the police station on February 27."

A Maidstone council spokesman added: "The suggestions online that the parking officer was 'beaten up’ are incorrect.

"She was, in fact, knocked to the ground by a speeding cyclist.

"We are unable to comment further as it is in the hands of a police investigation."