A man from Dartford has been charged following reports of an attempted-break in at a Swanley farm.

Ryan Holt, of Elm Road in Dartford, has  been charged with aggravated vehicle taking, failing to stop, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, and possession of cannabis.

He has been remanded in custody pending a hearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday February 29).

Kent Police were called to a home near Ship Lane yesterday (Tuesday, February 28) at around 9.50pm.

It is alleged that four men tried to break into stable buildings but left after being disturbed.

Patrols from the Swanley Local Policing Team went to the scene where they spotted a "suspicious" vehicle driving from the Crockham Hill area towards Swanley Village.

Following a short car chase, the patrol car was allegedly rammed by the vehicle and the three men then left the scene on foot.

With the help of the police helicopter, an arrest was later made.

Police enquiries are ongoing to find the other suspects.

Anyone with information, private CCTV, or dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident, is urged to contact the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 27-1437.

A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “A Dartford man was swiftly detained following a report of an attempted break-in at a farm in Swanley.

“Kent Police was called just before 9.50pm on Tuesday 28 February 2024, to a report of a burglary at a residential property near Ship Lane.

“It is alleged that four men attempted to break into stable buildings but left after being disturbed.

“Patrols from the Swanley Local Policing Team attended the scene where they spotted a suspicious vehicle driving from the Crockham Hill area towards Swanley village.

“Following a short pursuit, the patrol car was allegedly rammed by the vehicle and three men left the scene on foot.

“Officers from the dog section, with the help of the police helicopter, later arrested a 23-year-old man.

“Ryan Holt, of Elm Road, Dartford, has since been charged with aggravated vehicle taking, failing to stop, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, and possession of cannabis.

“He has been remanded in custody pending a hearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday February 29.
“Enquiries are ongoing to locate the remaining suspects.

“Anyone with information, private CCTV, or dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident, is urged to contact the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 27-1437.”