Quick arrest by Special Constable after attempted robbery in Rochester

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery after a Special Constable intercepted a vehicle in Essex.

The Kent volunteer spotted a car leaving Gravesend on Monday 5 June 2023 at around 8.40pm, just 40 minutes after that same car was believed to have been at the location of an attempted robbery in Rochester.

Officers had been carrying out enquiries following the incident, which is reported to have taken place in Toad Hall Crescent, Chattenden.

A man who had just parked up in the street, was called over to a car which had stopped in the road. The victim went over to the car where there were several men sitting inside. He assumed they were after directions, but instead an attempt was made to snatch his car keys out of his hand.

Detained

The victim ran away with his keys and sought help from the home of a nearby resident. He called the police and provided details of the car and the suspects. A vehicle matching the description was followed and stopped by the Special Constable outside of Kent shortly after the offence. The officer carried out a search of the car and seized a balaclava, ski mask and two pairs of gloves.

The men, aged 25 and 26, from Essex have since been released on police bail whilst officers continue to investigate.