A suspected shop thief has been arrested following an armed robbery with a hammer near Swanley

Officers acted swiftly to a 999 call to secure an arrest just minutes after the incident, which happened at a post office in Hextable.

Kent Police was called to a report of a robbery at the premises on Home Hill Road, just before 8.20am on Sunday 21 January 2024. It is alleged a masked suspect entered the store and demanded that staff hand over various items.

Cigarettes and scratch cards were reportedly taken.

Officers attended and arrested a woman in her thirties from Swanley on suspicion of robbery, common assault, and criminal damage. She has since been released on bail until 19 April, pending further enquiries.