KENT Police have arrested five people in connection with a distraction burglary at Distinctly Floral, in King Street, Maidstone.

Two of the offenders distracted the florist, while their accomplices took a laptop and a purse containing cash and credit cards.

While the purse and cards were later recovered in an alley near to the shop, the laptop is still missing and police are appealing to try and locate it.

Det Sgt Vicky Withnall said: “We are especially keen to reunite the victims with their missing laptop, as it contains information integral for running their business.

"The laptop is fairly uncommon, being a make called Rock and quite large and heavy in design. I would like to ask for any witnesses to the crime to come forward with information, which can be given either anonymously or in confidence by calling 01622 604180 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

The incident happened at lunchtime on Thursday, October 11.

A woman of 18, a woman of 23, a 16-year-old boy, a 22-year-old man and a 23-year-old man have all been released on police bail pending further enquiries. They are required to return to Maidstone police station on December 12.