A man has been charged with aggravated burglary after a woman was attacked and left tied up for 48 hours in her own home.

Billy Williams, 28, of Smarden Road, Ashford, was arrested in Hythe on Tuesday, more than two weeks since the incident took place at around 6pm on Easter Sunday (April 4).

The victim was approached outside her house by a cyclist who asked her for water.

When she returned with some the suspect leapt over her fence, bundled inside the house and restrained her before £100 and other valuables were stolen.

During the ordeal she was attacked, with a bottle of alcohol poured over her head.

Police found her bound hand and foot, and gagged, two days later. She had been left with no food or water.

She was taken to hospital and has since been discharged.

It was the fourth aggravated burglary in a rural location within the last eight months - although police are not linking the raids.

Investigators are also appealing for the owner of a bicycle to contact them. The black mountain bike was recovered by officers in Staplehurst on Saturday, April 10.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: "During the course of inquiries into this incident our investigators were alerted by a member of the public to the abandoned bike.

"We suspect it may be stolen and might be of relevance to our investigation. We are urging the owner to call the appeal line."

• Williams is alleged to have committed the offence and is due to appear in front of magistrates today.

Anybody with information should call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/56590/21.

You can also contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by using the online form on their website.

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