A man has been charged with the theft of four diamond rings from a Maidstone jewellery store.

At 9.44am on Thursday, May 26 Kent Police was called to Goldsmiths jewellers, in Fremlin Walk, after receiving a report that a man had stolen four rings worth £12,300.

Officers and security guards chased a suspect through the town centre, who then disappeared in King Street.

Bryan Lynch, 38 and of Inverness Road in Brighton, was charged with one count of theft on Tuesday, August 9.

He has been bailed to appear at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Friday, August 26.