A man has been arrested after allegedly trying to rob a bank by saying he had a bomb on him.

The incident happened at a bank in High Street, Gillingham earlier today and staff apparently handed the man several hundred pounds, after he said he would detonate the so-called device.

He had also apparently entered two bookmakers in the town earlier in the day but left empty handed.

The incident at the bank happened between 10am and 10.20am and the man was arrested soon afterwards, but police say no device was found on him.

Sally Smith, spokesman for Kent Police, said: "A 30-year-old man from Rochester, has been arrested by officers investigating three reports of robberies in High Street Gillingham.

"It is reported that the man threatened staff at two bookmakers and a bank.

"No money was stolen from the bookmakers but it is reported several hundred pounds was taken from the bank.

"The man is currently in police custody."