A pensioner has been charged with grooming after an alleged sting by a paedophile vigilante group known as The Hunted One.

James Smith, 69 has been charged after an incident in April outside Chatham Town Football Ground in Maidstone Road.

Police were called there at about 1.35pm and arrested Smith after it was alleged he had responded to messages he thought were from a child, but were actually posted by the paedophile hunters.

Smith, of Granville Road, Bedfordshire, was initially bailed but police said this week officers had now charged him with grooming.

Steve Crispe saw the drama unfold.

He said: “I was there at about 2pm, there was already a police car there and a Lexus, which had a policeman at the wheel.

“The owner was apparently in the back of the police car.

“As the Lexus made its way out of the car park a group of youths appeared, some on quad bikes, and hurled a brick towards it.”

Police also issued a warning about vigilantes.

Det Ch Insp Emma Banks said: “I strongly discourage people taking the law into their own hands to avoid them and others, including individuals who may have been wrongfully identified, being put in any danger.

“Any acts of violence reported will always be fully investigated and inquiries into this incident are ongoing.”

Smith, who is on bail will now appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 15.