Charlotte Phillips

Two men aged 25 and 24, both from Longfield, were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm after a man was allegedly struck over the head with an unknown object at The Horse & Groom pub in Wilmington on August 1. The injured man was taken to hospital. Both suspects have been released on police bail while Kent Police continue investigating and seek witnesses.

Recent applications submitted to Bexley Council include converting a property in Bexleyheath into a children’s care home for up to three children and two staff members, creating six homes at Upper Wickham Lane in Welling, and progressing conditions for a redevelopment of the former Bexley Maternity Hospital site containing 121 homes. Other proposals cover residential and commercial conversions, home extensions, tree works, parking and electric-vehicle infrastructure, and related building alterations across Sidcup, Erith, Belvedere and Bexleyheath.

Sarah Officer is campaigning for NHS access to omaveloxolone, also known as Omav, for her 18-year-old son Jake, who has Friedreich's ataxia, a progressive and life-limiting neurological disease. Jake is a full-time wheelchair user with multiple complications, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, neuropathy and chronic pain, and requires extensive daily care. Although the UK regulator approved Omav for people aged 16 and over in April 2025, it is not routinely available through the NHS in England and Northern Ireland. The family is supporting the #AccessOmavNow petition and an open letter to the Prime Minister, arguing that delays could allow irreversible deterioration and deny Jake a chance to retain independence.

Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation in Eynsford is celebrating its 30th anniversary after growing from a small bird-of-prey centre on a former cattle farm into a major wildlife attraction with more than 50 species. The family-run foundation has survived financial pressures, the Covid-19 pandemic and a temporary bird-flu lockdown while continuing its conservation, education and animal-rescue work. Director Samantha Leonard says the organisation has expanded its visitor experiences and improved animal-care standards, while bird handler Ron Edwards describes its development and the commitment of its small team. Anniversary events include a 30-day social-media campaign and free return tickets for visitors during August.

All About Swimming Ltd, a swim school operated by former Commonwealth Games swimmer Angela Wilson at pools in Wilmington and Cobham, has ceased trading after announcing it was technically insolvent. At least 42 customers in Kent and Essex say they have lost approximately £10,100, while an Essex instructor claims more than £1,200 in unpaid wages. Wilson said the collapse was sudden, denied deliberately accepting payments for lessons she never intended to provide, and directed customers to future liquidators for refunds. Customers have objected to the proposed dissolution and reported the business to police, Action Fraud and Trading Standards. Police are also investigating threats allegedly made against Wilson and her family.

Bellway is nearing completion of the second phase of its Northfleet Harbour Village development, delivering 130 of the planned 630 homes. The phase includes flint-fronted properties and Kiln Pocket Park, which will preserve and explain heritage linked to the former Northfleet Cement Works. The wider scheme includes 189 affordable homes, a completed Village Green and a further planned public space, Bevan’s Park. The final regeneration works were approved by the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation as part of the larger Ebbsfleet Garden City project.

Tickets are on sale for Christmas at Bedgebury 2026, an immersive light trail at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest near Goudhurst. The event will run from November 20 to New Year’s Eve and feature installations including the Christmas Cathedral and Fire Garden, illuminated trees, seasonal refreshments and visits with Father Christmas. Prices range from £19 to £27.50 for adults and £13 to £19 for children, with timed entry and limited capacity. Forestry England will also host free Room on the Broom-themed family events at Bedgebury and Jeskyns Community Woodland from August 22 to 29.

Joseph Hatton of Eastchurch was convicted at Maidstone Crown Court of sexual activity with a child, making indecent images of a child and possessing extreme pornographic images. The 40-year-old was arrested after a child disclosed being indecently touched, and a review of his phone found hundreds of indecent images of children. He was sentenced to six years and 10 months in prison, placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Detective Constable Robert Hughes said Hatton’s crimes had significantly affected the victim and that his possession of the images showed he remained a risk to children.

A man suffered a fractured cheek and eye socket, along with a broken nose, after reportedly being struck over the head with an unknown object on Isle of Grain High Street following the village fete and carnival on July 18. Kent Police are investigating and seeking witnesses, footage and information to identify the suspect.

Jamie Broadmore, a 41-year-old repeat offender from Strood, pleaded guilty to burning and dumping waste on an industrial scale on green-belt land near Gravesend. Fires, smoke, gas canisters and pigs released onto the A2 caused disruption and safety risks. Maidstone Crown Court sentenced him to six months in prison suspended for 12 months, 100 hours of unpaid work, compensation of £1,000 and rehabilitation activity, but awarded no costs. National Highways spent about £150,000 clearing the site and Gravesham Council spent £4,840 investigating it, prompting council leader John Burden and Gravesend MP Lauren Sullivan to call for tougher sentencing and better deterrence.

Emergency services attended a collision involving a motorbike and an unmarked police vehicle on the A224 London Road in Dunton Green, near Sevenoaks, shortly after 1 p.m. on July 30, 2026. Police confirmed that officers were called to the scene and that no injuries were reported; the ambulance service was contacted for further information.

A vehicle breakdown on the London-bound exit slip road at M2 Junction 4, A278 Hoath Way, Gillingham, caused traffic delays shortly before 8am on 31 July 2026. National Highways officers attended, and the road reopened by 8:20am.

More than 200 shoppers queued at Bluewater in Greenhithe for the opening of Next’s new 132,000-square-foot flagship store on July 30, with around 250 people waiting before the 10am launch. The store, three times larger than Next’s previous location, occupies the former House of Fraser unit and offers clothing for men, women and children, expanded homeware, and an in-store Costa café. The opening included goody bags for the first 150 customers, a live DJ and family entertainment. Store manager Terry Wetherell and Bluewater director James Waugh described the long-awaited opening as a major investment and a vote of confidence in the shopping centre. Bath & Body Works also relocated to a neighbouring unit, while the future of Next’s existing Bluewater store remains unclear.

Firefighters attended a vehicle fire in a field off Ladds Lane, Snodland, shortly before 6 a.m. on July 29. One fire engine crew extinguished the blaze using breathing apparatus and a hose reel jet; no injuries were reported, and the cause remains unknown. The fire was out by 7:12 a.m.

Bexley Council has received several planning applications, including Westminster Waste Limited’s proposal for a 1.3-hectare waste processing and storage facility at Belvedere Industrial Estate. The facility would shred, bale and wrap mixed waste for shipment to energy-from-waste plants, and the company is seeking a screening opinion on whether a full environmental impact report is required. Other major proposals include flexible industrial units at Veridion Park in Erith and the conversion of a property in Coniston Close into a children’s residential home, alongside a range of extensions, housing changes and other local developments.

Kent County Council and the Port of Dover will spend £40 million to convert the disused Eastern Docks cargo terminal into a holding area for more than 500 lorries. The project is expected to reduce the frequency and duration of Operation Brock on the M20 and Dover Tap on the A20 by up to 80% during normal operations, although construction could take three years and emergency traffic controls may still be needed during severe disruption. The Department for Transport and the port are each providing £20 million. The scheme is intended to improve traffic reliability across Kent, as concerns grow over possible queues linked to the EU Entry/Exit System and unresolved French border-technology issues. Local politicians welcomed the investment but called for it to be used effectively and for Operation Brock to become a last resort.

Large Breed Dog Rescue is urgently seeking a permanent base after repeatedly losing kennel sites, most recently in Dartford. The volunteer-run charity is housing dogs in kennels in Essex and Lincolnshire at a cost of £3,500 to £4,000 per month, while a further Essex site is due to be converted into stables. Limited space means the rescue is turning away around 20 dogs a week, despite continued demand linked to evictions and the difficulties of placing large breeds such as Cane Corsos. The charity hopes to find land, a barn or another suitable site in mid-Kent or elsewhere in the county, with space for kennels and an on-site cabin.

Two fire engines attended a blaze on wasteland near Pilgrims Road, off Swanscombe High Street, shortly before 11am on July 28. Firefighters extinguished flames that had begun spreading to a nearby industrial premises and outbuilding. No injuries were reported, the fire was out by midday, and its cause remains unknown.

Dartford Borough Council is considering applications to convert a house in multiple occupation on Fulwich Road into a children’s care home for up to three youngsters. Applications linked to the former Welsh Tavern in Stone seek approval of detailed management, waste, noise, construction, highways, landscaping, biodiversity, archaeology and materials plans for a previously approved refurbishment and the creation of five additional flats. A further application concerns contamination and verification details for a commercial warehouse redevelopment at Dartford International Ferry Terminal. Several smaller residential extensions, conversions, tree works and other property applications have also been submitted across the Dartford area.

The Brenchley and Harry’s Bar in Maidstone High Street will close on August 2 for nearly two weeks before reopening as Bullseye on August 13. A £1 million renovation will create a venue offering interactive darts, private karaoke rooms, cocktails, live music, DJs, covered outdoor seating and a bottomless pizza brunch. The Grade II-listed building, originally constructed as the Kentish Bank in 1927 and later occupied by NatWest, was restored by the Wilson family after they acquired its lease in 2013.

A man in his 50s died at the scene of a medical incident in Barrack Row, Gravesend, on July 28, 2026. Police, paramedics and fire crews attended, and the road was closed until about 8:15 p.m. The death is being treated as non-suspicious, with a report being prepared for the coroner.

Around 40 firefighters using eight fire engines, utility terrain vehicles and a technical rescue unit battled a wildfire near Green Porch Close in Milton Regis for almost four hours. The blaze, which began shortly before 11pm on July 27, was extinguished by 3am and affected about two acres of land overlooking the creek. Residents and travellers were temporarily advised to keep windows and doors closed because of smoke. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains unknown.

Margaret Matharu, 68, from Halling, suffered a severe brain haemorrhage while shopping at Morrisons in Strood on June 5. She waited in her car while experiencing extreme pain and other symptoms before being taken to Darent Valley Hospital and then transferred to King's College Hospital in London for emergency surgery. She spent two weeks in hospital and is recovering, although she continues to have hearing and eyesight problems. Her family complained that Morrisons failed to provide adequate assistance and that CCTV footage was unavailable, while the supermarket said staff offered help that she declined.

One lane of the M25 anticlockwise between Junctions 4 and 3 near Swanley is expected to remain closed until about 10pm after a lorry fire caused a large fuel spillage. Specialist contractors are clearing the spill, followed by overnight resurfacing that will close two lanes. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains unknown; significant delays were not expected.

Former NHS employee Amran Hussain was jailed for four years after admitting fraud by false representation and falsely claiming qualifications, employment history and professional memberships. He applied for 2,071 NHS jobs and secured 13 non-clinical positions, including senior roles, causing a confirmed loss of £168,072.41. Investigators found that he submitted fabricated references and often went on sick leave shortly after starting jobs while continuing to receive pay. The NHS Counter Fraud Authority said the case undermined trust in NHS recruitment and diverted public money from frontline services.

Emergency services attended a crash on the A2 London Road near Bapchild Cricket Club, close to Sittingbourne, at about 6:30 p.m. on July 24, 2026. One ambulance was photographed at the scene, one lane was closed and traffic queued toward Claxfield Road. The road later reopened, while further information was sought from emergency services.

Two men, aged 29 and 22, have been arrested after a man was stabbed at Brenchley Gardens in Maidstone on July 22. The victim was taken to a London hospital with stab-wound injuries but has since been discharged. The 29-year-old was bailed pending further inquiries, while the 22-year-old remained in custody; police are seeking information from witnesses.

Ben Bignall, 43, of Maidstone, has been charged after allegedly threatening residents with a weapon in Elm Grove, Sittingbourne, returning in a car and driving erratically, and becoming aggressive toward officers after being detained. He faces charges including affray, assault on an emergency worker, driving offences and failing to provide specimens. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on 17 August.

Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury will keep its herd of 12 African elephants indefinitely after the park and charity partners failed to find a suitable rewilding project, despite a campaign that raised £257,961. The park has submitted plans to Canterbury City Council for a new 3,300-square-metre elephant house and 10,000 square metres of additional outdoor habitat, expanding the herd’s total space to about 10 acres and improving pools, shelters, wallows and indoor areas. The park will focus on welfare, public education and conservation through its expanded Elephant Village. Two young bulls, Impi and Mchumba, have moved to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, while the bull Shaka has joined the Howletts herd.

Stephen Roche, 40, of Rainham, pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to sexually assaulting a child at a pub near London Road in April 2025. He was sentenced to one year and two months in prison, followed by a two-year community order, an eight-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an eight-year restraining order. Police said the child promptly reported the assault and praised the response that led to Roche’s arrest.

Dover MP Mike Tapp was removed from his role as minister for migration and citizenship after publishing an unauthorised article calling for exemptions for overseas care workers from tougher settlement rules. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was reportedly unaware of the article, prompting Keir Starmer to dismiss him and restrict his access to sensitive documents. Tapp defended his position on compassionate migration policy and highlighted achievements such as the ETA scheme and improvements to the Windrush Compensation Scheme. The incident comes amid wider Labour Party debate over proposed changes to settlement waiting periods, which remain under consultation as new Prime Minister Andy Burnham assesses the policy’s future.

Police taped off Brenchley Gardens in Maidstone after officers and multiple vehicles responded to an undisclosed incident near Station Road. Witnesses reported closed gates, a police presence and an unconfirmed claim that someone had been stabbed. Kent Police has been approached for more information as details remain unclear.

Armed police responded to reports that a group of people had been threatened with an imitation firearm at Mote Park in Maidstone on July 11. Officers recovered an imitation gun and arrested 59‑year‑old Clive Farquharson, who has been charged with possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He was remanded in custody after appearing at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court and is scheduled to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on August 10.

A McDonald’s branch in Strood has reopened following a major refurbishment that introduced a redesigned kitchen, an updated dining area and new facilities for staff and couriers. Franchisee Gian Chahal highlighted the improvements as beneficial for customers and employees. A nearby Shell Co-op service station will also reopen after its own revamp, adding expanded services and offering free coffee to early customers during its launch period.

Police arrested a 28-year-old man in West Malling after a man in his 30s was stabbed in Spenlow Drive, Walderslade. The victim is in serious but stable condition after being taken to hospital. Officers believe two men assaulted him with weapons and are continuing the investigation, urging witnesses and anyone with CCTV to contact police or Crimestoppers.

Police are searching for a suspect after a man and a teenager were stabbed in an alleyway between Ingram Road and Woodlands Road in Gillingham. The attacker, described as a white man in his late 20s or early 30s, fled toward The Vineries estate. One victim has been discharged from hospital while the teenager remains in stable condition. Officers are conducting house‑to‑house inquiries and reviewing CCTV, urging anyone with information or footage to contact authorities.

Police are seeking help to locate 13-year-old David Campeanu, last seen in the Egerton Road area of Maidstone around midday on July 19. He is described as 5ft 3ins, slim, with brown hair and blue eyes, and was wearing black tracksuit bottoms, a white T‑shirt, black shoes and carrying a black backpack. Urgent information should be reported via 999 using reference 19‑0740, with non‑urgent details directed to Kent Police through live chat or 101.

Thanet District Council has approved £6 million restoration plans for Margate’s historic Theatre Royal, aiming to reopen the venue next year. The refurbishment includes structural repairs, a modern side extension, accessibility improvements and new technical facilities, supported by funding from the Margate Town Deal. An operator is expected to be appointed in the autumn, with the option to expand into a nearby property for rehearsal and accommodation space. The project forms part of wider cultural regeneration efforts in Margate.

Two Golden Guernsey goats, Maggie and Maple, were stolen overnight from Hawkhill Stable in Rainham, prompting their owner, Katie Barton, to appeal for information and offer a £1,000 reward. Barton discovered a cut fence and fears for the goats’ welfare, noting one requires medication. She has contacted local slaughterhouses and police. The theft follows similar incidents in the region, including goats stolen from Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats and Christmas Tree Farm earlier this month.

Progress toward replacing the fire-damaged sports pavilion at Broomfield Recreation Ground could resume as Dartford Council considers partnering with the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation to manage and fund the project. Earlier plans stalled after governance concerns at Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council prompted the delay of more than £1 million in Community Infrastructure Levy funding. The proposed partnership would combine project management capabilities and community engagement, with revised funding applications to follow if approved. Officials aim to deliver a facility that reflects the community value of the former pavilion while addressing long-standing frustrations over delays.

A former children’s nurse, Jo Sloat, has opened The Furry Funhouse, an indoor dog play centre in Dartford offering activities such as agility equipment, digging areas and socialisation sessions. After completing canine welfare and business courses, she launched the venue to provide mentally stimulating, weather‑proof exercise options for dogs. Local owners have responded enthusiastically, with many returning for repeat visits and praising the facility as a much‑needed space. Jo and her husband invested about £15,000 and plan to expand the offerings with sensory sessions, dog parties and film nights.

A new 27,000 sq ft AirHop trampoline park has opened on North Farm Road in Tunbridge Wells, offering trampolines, air bags, an assault course, interactive games, and dedicated sessions for different age groups and needs. The venue, employing 55 staff, follows AirHop’s expansion in Kent and its acquisition of Jump Inc. The company highlighted strong local demand and aims to become an active part of the community.

A community group has purchased the Green Man pub site in Hodsoll Street, which was destroyed by lightning-induced fire in 2021, enabling plans to rebuild it as a community venue with potential accommodation. Rising construction costs and criticism halted a previous redevelopment effort by Alchemy Estates. After the site was left derelict, villagers formed the Green Man Recovery Group, campaigned for its preservation, and submitted a successful bid. Former landlords and residents expressed relief and optimism as the project progresses toward restoring the historic focal point of village life.

Police cordoned off Hunters Way West in Darland near Gillingham after a man in his forties was found dead around 5.35am. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner. Emergency services, including police, forensics and the fire service, remained at the scene, with local residents reporting limited knowledge of the incident.

Next will open its largest UK store at Bluewater on July 30, occupying the former House of Fraser unit after major refurbishment work. The two‑floor, 132,000 sq ft anchor store will include expanded fashion and homeware ranges and an in‑store Costa café, with Bath and Body Works relocating to an adjacent unit. Bluewater’s director highlighted the opening as a major investment for the centre, while the store manager expressed excitement for the launch, which will feature opening‑weekend events and giveaways.

A revised plan to build six flats on Main Road in Sutton-at-Hone was rejected by Dartford Council, which ruled the development would harm the village’s character, increase parking pressures and add excessive hard surfacing to the area. The proposal followed an earlier nine‑flat application that faced strong local opposition and was later withdrawn. Councillor George Holt welcomed the refusal, urging a return to the previously approved plan for three houses. Both the earlier and revised applications drew dozens of objections from residents concerned about scale, appearance and parking impacts, despite Kent County Council’s assessment that the location was relatively sustainable.

A brick thrown through the front door of Boeuf in Rochester forced the steak restaurant to close for a day, cancel bookings and discard stock, resulting in losses of several thousand pounds. Owners Jamie Clark and Thomas Mudge replaced the damaged door and have since reopened, providing CCTV to Kent Police, who have launched an investigation into the criminal damage.

A cancer support service run by Crossroads Care Kent faces closure after Macmillan Cancer Support ends its funding on July 31. Serving 300 to 400 people annually, the programme provides essential transport and companionship for patients across the county. Leaders warn the loss would severely impact vulnerable individuals who rely on safe travel to treatment and regular social support. The charity aims to raise £30,000 by the end of July to maintain a reduced operation while seeking long‑term funding, urging businesses and the public to contribute.

A man in his 20s was assaulted outside The Vineyard pub in Sittingbourne and taken to hospital with head and neck injuries. Police arrested a 23‑year‑old man shortly after the incident but released him without charge. Emergency crews treated the victim, who has since been discharged. Authorities are appealing for witnesses, providing a description of the suspect and contact information for Kent Police and Crimestoppers.