A man has appeared in court charged with dangerous driving after an alleged hit and run left a woman fighting for her life.

Jonathan Kelamba, 22, has been charged after the victim was critically injured in Chatham on Monday.

Kalemba, of no fixed address, was charged on Wednesday with the dangerous driving offence, as well as causing serious injury by dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking and failing to stop a vehicle when required by a police officer.

Officers have also charged him with failing to stop after the accident, driving while disqualified and without insurance and possessing cocaine with intent to supply.

Kalemba appeared before magistrates in Medway today, where the case was sent to Maidstone Crown Court to be dealt with. He was recalled to prison.

The charges relate to an incident which happened shortly after 7pm on Monday. A 28-year-old woman was injured after being hit by a silver Ford Fiesta in Chatham High Street, at the junction with Manor Road.

The Ford Fiesta was turning right from the High Street into Manor Road when it struck the woman.

The Fiesta failed to stop following the collision and was later found abandoned in New Cut at the junction with Railway Street.

Shortly before the incident the Fiesta, which had earlier been reported stolen, had stopped.

As officers walked to the car, it made off and the collision occurred a few minutes later. The officers stopped to treat the injured woman, who remains in a critical condition.

It is being investigated by the Kent Police serious collision investigation unit and officers are continuing to appeal for anyone who saw the woman being hit or the movements of the Fiesta who have not yet spoken to officers.

Kent Police has also referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission because the Fiesta had been approached by officers before the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk and quote the reference number DB/MS/206/17.