A suspected robber from Orpington has been charged after victims reported being assaulted and having their cars stolen near Dartford.

On the evening of Wednesday, September 4, 2024, a motorist stopped at Dartford Heath where he claims a group of men wearing face masks smashed his car window, assaulted him and then stole his vehicle.

A second person then reported being assaulted by men wearing face coverings who then stole his car at Rochester Way on Sunday, September 8.

An arrest was made on Friday, September 13 as police also seized a stolen vehicle and a car key.

Thomas Ripley, of Star Lane, Orpington, Greater London, was later charged with two robberies.

He was also charged with an attempted burglary at a property in Colt Stead, New Ash Green, on August 21.

The 28-year-old appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on the following day. He was remanded to a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, October 11.