A suspected purse thief has been charged over offences reported at restaurants.

Kent Police was called at 4.15pm on Wednesday when it was reported an unknown man had accessed a staff area of The Tunbridge Wells Bar & Grill in the High Street.

It is alleged he left after stealing a purse from a handbag, containing cash and bank cards.

At around 5pm officers were called to a further incident in Camden Road. It was reported a man had tried to access a staff area from a rear door at the Vittle and Swig restaurant. When challenged, he is alleged to have pushed a staff member and then left the scene.

John Smith, aged 34, of Allandale Road, Tunbridge Wells was arrested shortly after. He was subsequently charged with offences of burglary, attempted burglary and assault. He was remanded in custody to appear via video link before Medway Magistrates’ Court on 2 February.