A 23-year-old has been charged with the attempted murder of a police officer following an incident in Ashford.

Barry Rossiter, of Nickley Wood, Ashford, appeared before Maidstone Crown Court today where he was remanded.

It follows a constable being hit by a car that allegedly failed to stop at the scene in Coulter Road, near the junction with Hedgers Way, on the afternoon of January 26.

The police officer sustained serious injuries. He was rushed to a local hospital where he has since been discharged to recover at home.

Barry Rossiter, who was arrested on Wednesday, has been charged with attempted murder, causing serious injury by driving a vehicle dangerously and assaulting an emergency worker.

He will next appear before Canterbury Crown Court on Tuesday.

Four other people, two men aged 19 and 37, and two women 19 and 32 were also arrested in connection with the incident.

Police say they are all from the local area and have been bailed pending further enquiries. A sixth person, a 19-year-old man from Ashford, was arrested on Friday and remains in police custody.

Investigators are continuing to appeal for witnesses and are urging drivers with dashcam to contact Kent Police if they were travelling on Coulter Road, Long Length, Tally Ho Road and Hornash Lane between 3pm and 3.30pm on Friday, January 26.

Anyone with information should call 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/14411/24.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.