Police have taken the unusual step of appealing for a woman to come forward after arresting a man on suspicion of sexual assault.

A concerned member of the public reported they'd seen a woman in Herne Bay High Street at around 4.11am, barefoot and in an apparently distressed state.

Officers say they are investigating a suspected sexual assault and a 34-year-old local man has been arrested and detained in police custody while investigations continue.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Ron Smith said: ‘We believe the woman may have been the victim of a sexual assault, but she left the scene before officers arrived.

‘We are concerned about her welfare and urge her to contact us so we can establish if an offence took place.’

The woman, who was seen sitting in a doorway opposite the fire station, is described as being in her 20s and of a slim to medium build with wavy brown hair just below her shoulders. She was wearing a patterned dress and was barefoot, carrying a pair of high-heeled shoes.

If you witnessed anything suspicious, recognise the woman's description or have any information that could help officers with their enquiries please phone 01843 222289 quoting reference number 14-211.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.