Two held after raids on stores

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with robberies at convenience stores.

Officers were called to the One Stop off Beaver Lane in South Ashford at 10.30pm on Wednesday, April 19.

It was reported that two masked men entered the shop, threatened staff, and stole hundreds of pounds from the till.

The next day officers arrested Reuben Garland, of no fixed address, on suspicion of robbery.

They have since charged the 23-year-old for the offence, and charged him for possessing a knife and for stealing two crates of beer.

In a separate incident police were called to a robbery at McColl’s newsagent in Stanhope Court at 9.40pm on Monday.

A 29-year-old man has been held by officers on suspicion of threatening staff at the shop and claiming he had a knife. He stole cash from the store before running off in the direction of Crundale Close.

Mr Garland has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Canterbury Crown Court on Monday, May 15. The second man was held in custody.

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to call 01843 222289 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, and quote reference 19-1435 for the One Stop robbery, and reference 24-1409 for the McColl’s robbery.