A man armed with a 3ft metal pole is alleged to have tried to steal a couple's car after they pulled over to offer him help.

Police are now investigating the incident in Margate yesterday morning after arresting a man on suspicion of several offences.

The suspect is also believed to have caused three hour train delays after trespassing on the tracks earlier in the morning.

A robbery investigation is now under way following the ordeal in Shottendane Road - about a mile from the junction with Manston Road - at about 11.55am.

The victims reported stopping at the side of the road to give assistance to a man who appeared to be calling for help.

But when they pulled over, a struggle broke out between the driver, the passenger and the suspect before members of the public intervened and broke up the incident.

Fortunately, the silver Renault Scenic was not stolen and both the occupants were not seriously injured.

Police officers arrived on the scene within five minutes and arrested a 37-year-old man of no fixed address.

Just five minutes before the incident with the car, it was reported a farm worker in a nearby field alongside Shottendane Road was assaulted.

The farm worker was not seriously injured, a police spokesman said.

Police said during both attacks a man with a metal pole was described as the offender.

Investigators are also linking the suspect to an incident on the railway line near Broadstairs which halted services for several hours.

Power had to be switched off and British Transport Police were called at about 10.30am to reports a man was obstructing the railway line.

Trains were cancelled and services delayed until about 1pm when the suspect was apprehended and power restored to the tracks.

A spokesman for BTP confirmed he was arrested for obstructing the railway line and criminal damage offences.

Det Insp Julien Lawton, from Kent Police, said: "We would like to speak to anyone with information, including motorists who may captured on their dash cameras a man walking in Shottendane Road while carrying the pole.

"We would also like to speak with anyone who has privately held CCTV that covers the area and any witnesses that are yet to make contact."

Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/134053/20 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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