A teenager has been charged after a laser was shone at the Kent Police helicopter in Sittingbourne.

The crew was helping officers searching on the ground for two men seen acting suspiciously in Gas Road when a laser was shone at the aircraft.

William Henry Rye, of Tonge Road, Sittingbourne, has been charged with recklessly or negligently acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft.

The 19-year-old has been bailed to appear at Maidstone Magistrates' Court on Monday, June 3.

The incident happened at about 10.30pm on Wednesday.