A gang of 11 people face conspiracy charges after more than 300 defibrillators plus drugs and other goods were stolen from ambulances and buildings across Kent.

The life-saving equipment was taken between September 2016 and August 2017 in towns including Thanet, Herne Bay, Ashford, Northfleet, Chatham and the Isle of Sheppey.

Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate who have been investigating the incidents have served the group with postal requisitions to attend Folkestone Magistrate’s Court next week, charged with various offences in connection with the thefts.

Three men - one aged 35 from Herne Bay, one aged 50 from Shropshire and one aged 46 from Canterbury - face charges of theft, conspiracy to burgle, robbery, handle stolen goods, launder the proceeds of crime and two counts of conspiracy to steal.

A 28-year-old man from Herne Bay faces charges of conspiracy to steal, burgle as well as robbery and a 43-year-old from the town faces charges of conspiracy to steal and burgle.

Meanwhile, a 52-year-old man from Maidstone faces charges of handling stolen goods and entering into a money laundering arrangement, a 30-year-old man from Hertfordshire faces a charge of conspiracy to steal and a 29-year-old woman from Canterbury faces a charge of handling stolen goods.

Finally, two women, one aged 29 from Herne Bay and the other aged 37 from Whitstable, along with a 52-year-old man from Whitstable face charges of entering into a money laundering arrangement.

The group will all appear in court next Wednesday, October 9.

To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here.