A pensioner is reported to have been punched in the stomach by a bogus charity worker.

The victim, in her 80s, was allegedly assaulted and robbed on her doorstep in the Frindsbury Road area, Strood, on Wednesday.

A man posing as a charity worker is said to have knocked on her door at around 10am and told her he was collecting money for good causes.

When the victim went to open a purse, he is alleged to have snatched it and assaulted her, before running away.

Paul Stone, 46, of no fixed address was arrested the next morning in Gillingham High Street and later charged with robbery.

He appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court today where he was remanded in custody.

The suspect’s next hearing will be at Maidstone Crown Court on September 23.