A suspect who reportedly threatened to stab a woman on Christmas Day before stealing her bag has been arrested.

Police were called to the High Street in Rochester and a police dog managed to track down a man hiding in bushes in a park.

Officers were called at 3.16am to reports of a robbery when it was reported a man riding a push bike approached a woman, threatened her and then stole her handbag.

A man was identified as a suspect from CCTV footage which was then used to locate him before he then allegedly tried to run from police.

He was tracked to the Hilly Fields Community Park in Gillingham where police dog Coty helped in the hunt at about 8am.

The canine cop picked up a scent and guided his handler towards a metal fence overgrown with brambles and the officer spotted a man lying in the undergrowth, where he was arrested.

The man, aged in his 40s and from Gillingham, was taken into custody for questioning on suspicion of robbery.

He was released on bail until January 6 while inquiries continue.

Police say they would also like to hear from a motorist passing by the incident at the time of the alleged offence and could have seen something to get in touch.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to the robbery or who could assist in the investigation to contact them on 01634 792209 quoting reference 46/264706/21 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org