A man has been arrested after allegedly letting himself into the car of a mum and her three-year-old daughter to demand her handbag.

A 46-year-old Faversham man is in custody following the report of a robbery and the theft of a handbag in Westgate-on-Sea.

The alleged robbery took place in Westbury Road between 4.43pm and 4.49pm yesterday.

Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: "The victim and her three year-old daughter were in their car when a man let himself in the passenger side and demanded she hand over her handbag.

"When she told him she didn’t have one, he told her to move the car a short distance down the road.

"He then took a small amount of cash and left the car.’

Minutes later the man reportedly stole a handbag from a woman in a business premises in Cuthbert Road, Westgate-on-Sea.

DI Taylor addedd: "Police attended and located the man in Cuthbert Road shortly after.

"He was arrested on suspicion of robbery and theft and is currently in police custody."

Anyone who witnessed either incident or has information that could help the investigation is asked to phone police on 01843 222289, quoting reference number 46/8332/18, or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.