Police have arrested a man in connection with two armed robberies in Strood, which left three people injured.

A 33-year-old man from Chatham was arrested earlier today on suspicion of robbery.

The arrest comes as part on an investigation into an alleged armed robbery at around 3pm on Monday, after a man approached a driver in Canal Road, Strood.

The man, who was reported to have a knife, is alleged to have demanded the driver hand over his wallet and phone, but then ran off empty handed.

The arrest is also linked to a second incident which was reported to police at around 6pm at the General Store in Grove Road, Strood.

A man allegedly entered the shop, threatened staff with a knife and demanded they open the till.

There was a struggle and three people, thought to be the shopkeeper, named locally as Sam, his wife, and one other person, were injured.

VIDEO: The shop remained closed yesterday morning

A man is reported to have stolen a large amount of cash before running down an alleyway between Grove Court and Grove Road.

Leanne Catt, who lives in Frindsbury Road, said she walked down to the shop about an hour after the incident.

She said: “Everyone keeps asking about Sam he popped his head out of his window this morning and said everyone was all right.

“Sam’s very well known around here, it’s disgusting this has happened.”

Officers are continuing their inquiries and the man remains in custody at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call the appeal line on 01634 792209 quoting XY/027779/16