A suspected shoplifter has plunged more than 20ft from the fourth level of a Maidstone shopping centre car park after a pursuit.

The 28-year-old man escaped serious injury when he fell at The Mall Chequers after allegedly jumping a barrier.

It is alleged the man, from Maidstone, stole £50 of cosmetics from Boots in the shopping centre before being pursued by security guards.

He is said to have run into the multi-storey car park and falling from the fourth floor - injuring his feet in the process.

The suspect was taken to hospital, where he was later arrested but not yet taken into custody.

A Kent Police spokesman said officers were called to Romney Place at about 10.30am yesterday, but were not involved in the pursuit.

Paramedics attended the scene and took the man to the Tunbridge Wells Hospital with suspected fractures to both ankles and ribs.

A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said he was fully conscious throughout. He has been released on police bail until Monday, October 14.

When approached by the KM The Mall Chequers said it would not be commenting on the incident.