Arrest after man 'tries to steal car at petrol station with boy, 9, sat inside'

Police have made an arrest after a man reportedly tried to steal a car in a petrol station while a nine-year-old boy was in it.

Footage of the incident showed a man being tackled to the ground following the disturbance in Dover Road, Whitfield, shortly after 7.30am on Tuesday morning.

Eyewitnesses said they heard screaming coming from inside the car, that was parked at the BP petrol station on the A2.

The man, who is said to be in his 50s, was said to have been restrained by some members of the public while police were called.

Officers arrived at the scene and arrested a man on suspicion of attempting to steal a motor vehicle.

The boy’s mother, Pippa Anne-Malcolm, told Kent Online that her son is autistic.

Recalling the incident, she said: "I got my son out and screamed for help. My son is nine and has autism.

"He sat there, watching me pull my son from the car while I was screaming for help.

"I have no idea what he wanted. He didn't speak to me or my son.

"It is terrifying, I honestly have never felt so scared."

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 7.42am on Tuesday 7 December 2021 to a report of a disturbance in Dover Road, Whitfield.

"During the incident, a man is reported to have entered a stationary vehicle before he was restrained by some members of the public.

"Officers attended the scene and arrested a man in his 50s on suspicion of attempting to steal a motor vehicle.

"He remains in custody as enquiries continue."

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