A man has been charged with robbery and weapon offences after a chemist was raided.

Staff were reportedly threatened and medicine stolen from Cheadles Chemist in Faversham Road in Seasalter, near Whitstable, at about 9.20am on Monday.

In the aftermath, a police helicopter and armed officers scoured Herne Bay in pursuit of the suspect.

A man was arrested the same day on suspicion of robbery.

Following an investigation that included enquiries at a property in Boughton-under-Blean and a premises in Herne Bay, Simon Wightman has now been charged.

The 51-year-old, of The Broadway, Herne Bay, appeared before Folkestone Magistrates' Court yesterday accused of robbery, possession of a firearm without a certificate, possession of ammunition and possession of a prohibited weapon.

He was remanded in custody to appear before Canterbury Crown Court on January 9.