A teenager has been charged after checkout staff at a Sainsbury's store were apparently threatened by a boy waving a knife.

It is reported the incident happened at around 1pm yesterday at the Sainsbury’s store in Loose Road, Maidstone.

It is alleged checkout staff were threatened by by the boy who was reported to be armed with a knife.

No money was handed over and the teenager is said to have fled empty handed.

Officers attended and carried out a search of the area.

They identified a suspect in Boughton Lane who was stopped and searched.

A knife was recovered from a bag and he was arrested.

A 15-year-old boy from Maidstone has now been charged with possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and attempted robbery.

He is bailed to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on May 7.

Police say they is committed to tackling knife crime culture and removing dangerous weapons from the community.

An initiative to prevent knife crime and associated offences is ongoing and is being supported by other law enforcement agencies, such as British Transport Police and neighbouring forces.

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