A YOUTH challenged over a credit card discrepancy at the Somerfield supermarket in Tonbridge fled from the store and jumped into the nearby River Medway in a bid to escape. But as the youth emerged on the far bank of the river, having swum across it at its widest point, police and shop staff were waiting to detain him.

The incident happened after the 16-year-old had tried to use a credit card to pay for items and get cash-back.

A youth from London has since been questioned by West Kent police in connection with an attempt to obtain property by deception. Two other men, also from London, were arrested for similar offences at separate locations elsewhere in Tonbridge.