A man has been formally cleared of attempting to kidnap a young girl - after it was revealed she made up the allegation.

It was claimed 26-year-old Nicholas Bennett tried to snatch the girl with the intention of committing a sex offence.

He was arrested after the alleged incident in Salisbury Avenue, Rainham, on January 21 this year.

But after being identified by the alleged victim, charged and remanded, it was revealed the girl's claim was false.

Now Bennett, of Association Walk, Rochester, has been formally found not guilty of the charge at a Maidstone Crown Court hearing.

Officers are now investigating the circumstances behind the initial report.

Detective Chief Inspector John McDermott said: "Kent Police takes all reports of children being approached by adults seriously and on this occasion officers acted on the information and evidence presented to them.

"This evidence was then presented to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charge against Mr Bennett.

"As soon as it became clear the allegation was without merit, we informed the CPS and the appropriate steps were taken to clear Mr Bennett."