A suspected shoplifter who is claimed to have threatened to stab a security guard at Waitrose with a needle has been charged by police.

Officers were called to the supermarket in Castle Road, Maidstone, at around 4.40pm on Wednesday after it was reported a shopper had attempted to leave without paying for a number of items, including alcohol and meat.

A member of security staff further alleged that when the suspect was challenged she claimed she was in possession of a needle and would use it to stab him.

Louise Jeffrey, 43, of James Whatman Way, Maidstone, was arrested and later charged with offences of theft and using threatening, or abusive or insulting words or behaviour, to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

She is bailed to appear before Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on March 22.