A man has been charged with shoplifting after police were called to a shopping centre yesterday afternoon.

Officers were called to Thamesgate Shopping Centre, Gravesend, at about 3.32pm after a man was stopped by a security guard.

Witnesses said police put the man in the back of a police vehicle where he was searched by officers at the back entrance to the centre in Anglesea Place.

Police spokesman James Walker said: "A suspect had been stopped by a security guard, who requested police attendance.

"Officers attended and arrested Sergej Fedorenko on suspicion of shoplifting.

"The 31-year-old, of no fixed address, has since been charged with theft and bailed to attend Medway Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, December 11."