Detectives have launched a fraud investigation after a travel firm was alleged to have taken tens of thousands of pounds from a charity supporting wounded ex-servicemen.

Black Tip Travel Ltd, based in Tonbridge, had been entrusted with the task of booking flights to New Zealand on behalf of Pilgrim Bandits, set up to help injured war veterans.

The charity had planned to take on a cycling challenge in the southern hemisphere but they were later told their 22 tickets had not been booked due to "simple errors".

They were due to fly out in October but their plans were scuppered just two days before the departure date.

Police have said an investigation has begun while a statement on Black Tip Travel's site has apologised for the error.

It said: "Black Tip Travel made hundreds of successful bookings with many satisfied customers since it's inception with repeat customers and great feedback.

"Unfortunately during 2018 simple errors occurred which left people with missed ticket deadlines on flights and instead of letting customers down the company took losses to ensure people got the flights they paid for.

"This then caused cash flow issues which led to more deadlines being missed and over the coming months led to unhappy customers who were either compensated for the issues and stress caused or had tickets booked at higher cost to the company - causing further losses.

"This continued and although there was improvements in cash flow and improved periods of time where there was no issues, we hit a time were there was a reduced number of sales with an increase in overheads/costs coming up causing many issues in a small window of time.

"At this time it was decided we should get professional advice on Black Tip Travel's insolvency. Whilst we are looking at this will not be taking any new bookings.

"We are aware that there are allegations against the company and director and understand people's travel plans are very emotive which is why we wanted to make the above statement to explain what has happened.

"The director has not made financial gains (quite the opposite) due to the way the business has been trading and is distraught and mortified by the comments and allegations that are being made.

"We are deeply sorry for those who have been affected by these issues and whilst this is nowhere near acceptable we hope that a clearer explanation of what has happened may clear the situation up a little."

A Kent Police spokesman added: "We are investigating an allegation of theft concerning a business in Tonbridge.

"A 34-year-old man from Tonbridge was arrested on suspicion of theft on December 2 and has been released pending further inquiries."