Man arrested and charged following violent incident at Gillingham store

A suspected thief has been swiftly tracked down and arrested following a violent incident at a Gillingham store.

Kent Police was called to the shop in Pier Road at about 9.30pm on Monday 4 May 2026, after it was reported a man had tried to steal some alcohol.

It is alleged a number of bottles were smashed, cigarettes were taken from behind the counter and coffee jars were thrown at staff.

Officers attended, and following a search of the area, a suspect who was on foot, was located and arrested near the Medway Tunnel around an hour later.

Charged

Michael Clough, 36, from Littlebury Court, Basildon, Essex was subsequently charged with burglary, common assault and criminal damage.

He was bailed to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 18 August.