Police have arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of sexually attacking and trying to rob a teenager on a footpath in Chatham

The alleged attack on the 17-year-old was said to have taken place in an open space popular with dog walkers on Thursday afternoon in Chatham.

Officers have been carrying out a number of inquiries and arrested a man from Chatham on suspicion of sexual assault. He has been bailed until May 22 pending further inquiries.

The victim told police she had been walking along the footpath that runs parallel toHeron Way and Princes Avenuewhen she saw a man in the distance.

As she approached him, he turned towards her and asked if she had any money. When the victim told him she didn’t have any, he raised his voice, telling her to get on her knees and empty her handbag.

As she did so, the suspect began rifling through the victim’s purse but did not take anything.

He then told her to stand up before he sexually assaulted her and then ran off.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Peter Warden on 01634 792536 quoting reference XY/12161/15 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.