KentOnline
The top stories from the KentOnline news team
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Episodes
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Podcast: Shocking moment drunk driver crashes into Pilot Inn, Dungeness - then calmly walks away - has been caught on camera
Monday, 1 September 2025
The shocking moment a drunk driver careened into a seaside pub loved by celebrities - then calmly walked away – has been caught on camera. Howard Sargent left a trail of destruction when he ploughed his Toyota into the Pilot Inn after drinking throughout the day.Also in today’s podcast, we’ve spoken to a Folkestone mum who is urging others not to ignore lumps while breastfeeding after she was diagnosed with cancer.Chelsey Saunders put her symptoms - which also included a swelling in her armpit - down to a cold and being a busy mum.Former Maidstone MP Ann Widdecombe has been us how she has n...
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Podcast: Delays after crashes on the M20, M2 and A2 and a vehicle fire on the A249 during heavy rain
Friday, 29 August 2025
Drivers have been facing long delays on a number of main roads in Kent following a series of crashes.The most serious happened on the M20 in the early hours of this morning, closing part of the London bound carriageway.Also in today's podcast, a Tunbridge Wells mum has been told she has just weeks to live after a 10-year battle with cancer.Hélène Menardi was initially diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of 2015, and despite intensive treatment it's now spread to other parts of her body. Hear from her husband Marcus Bird.It's been announced the boss of P-and-O Ferries is leaving the com...
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Podcast: Police cordon off Swale House council office building in East Street, Sittingbourne
Thursday, 28 August 2025
Police have taped off the car park of a council office building in Sittingbourne.Officers were called to Swale House on East Street last night while paramedics were also reportedly seen early this morning. Hear from reporter Joe Crossley who has also been there.Also in today's podcast, a Sittingbourne mum has told us how it took her having a 'breakdown' in an A&E ward to find out her daughter has a life-changing condition.Morgan Austin from Teynham gave birth to Matilda in January and was told her baby had reflux. She was eventually diagnosed with cerebral palsy and now needs extensive phys...
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Podcast: Tributes paid to football coach Tim Sells from Herne Bay who worked for Millwall and died following a cardiac arrest at a gym
Wednesday, 27 August 2025
Tributes have been paid to a dad who died after suffering a cardiac arrest at a gym in Herne Bay.Tim Sells was working out at Snap Fitness when he collapsed last week, and passed away in hospital three days later.The 47-year-old worked as a football development manager for Millwall FC Community Trust and also coached youngsters at Whitstable Town FC and Tankerton. Hear from his partner Lisa who is urging people to learn CPR.Also in today's podcast, a man has been flown to a London hospital after being hit by a vehicle near Maidstone.The crash happened on the A229 Linton Road in Loose at aro...
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Podcast: Man flown to hospital following 'serious assault' on Hampton seafront near Herne Bay
Tuesday, 26 August 2025
A man has been injured following reports of a serious attack in Herne Bay.Police, paramedics and an air ambulance were called to Hampton Pier Avenue yesterday evening.Also in today's podcast, footage has been released of a traffic warden being attacked in Gravesend, as staff speak out about the abuse they are facing.An investigation by KentOnline has found enforcement officers are putting up with daily threats, assaults and racism.People living in a village near Dartford fear it could be split in two if plans to reform local councils in Kent are given the go ahead.Bosses in Medway have reve...
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Podcast: Dymchurch Amusement Park boss urges people to visit this August Bank Holiday weekend despite poor water quality at the beach
Friday, 22 August 2025
Ahead of the August bank holiday weekend we're being encouraged to visit part of the Kent coast - despite it's poor water quality rating.The owners of Dymchurch Amusement Park say there's more to do there than just swimming.Last November the Environment Agency downgraded the beach's water quality to poor and issued a no-swim warning.Also in today's podcast, a woman who moved to Kent when the war started in Ukraine has told the podcast she doesn't think the Russian president will ever agree to meet Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Donald Trump has started plans to bring the leaders together after meeting...
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Podcast: Controversial landlord Fergus Wilson offers land in Boughton Monchelsea to Maidstone Borough Council for traveller camp
Thursday, 21 August 2025
A Kent landlord has revealed plans to offer woodland to a council for a traveller camp.Fergus Wilson has said he will sell a 12 acre site in Boughton Monchelsea, that he bought in the 1980s, to Maidstone Borough Council.The local authority recently launched a search for suitable land to accommodate a 15 pitch camp.Also in today's podcast, the Reform UK leader of Kent County Council has told local authorities to check up on the legal status of asylum hotels.Linden Kemkaran has spoken out after a High Court decision to stop people being housed at a hotel in Epping.Thousands of teenagers acros...
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Podcast: Man who died after falling in River Medway at Maidstone named as Daniel Grossett from Headcorn who volunteered at Hungry Hearts for the Homeless
Wednesday, 20 August 2025
A man who died after falling in the River Medway in Maidstone earlier this month has been named.Daniel Grossett was discovered a day after being spotted going into the water near Archbishops Palace on August 11th. He'd previously been on an episode of the podcast and plenty of tributes have been paid.Also in today's episode, Kent Wildlife Trust bosses have told us how vital money that could be spent on conservation is having to be used to repair damage at some of their sites.A viewing screen at one site has been destroyed by vandals while camping equipment has been dumped at another. Hear f...
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Podcast: Man in 'critical but stable' condition in hospital after tractor fell from bridge onto M20 central reservation
Tuesday, 19 August 2025
A tractor driver is in a critical but stable condition after his vehicle fell from a bridge onto the M20.Police say he had been driving along the A227 near Wrotham when his trailer became separated from the tractor and overturned.Also in today's podcast, there's been mixed reaction to news further traffic restrictions could be put in place on Rochester High Street.You already can't drive along it on Saturdays - now a consultation is underway into plans to stop vehicles on Sundays and bank holidays as well.A Kent politician says the Conservatives will need to learn lessons from Donald Trump ...
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Podcast: Tributes left to boy, 2, who died in crash at Gorrell Tank car park in Whitstable as man is arrested
Monday, 18 August 2025
A two-year-old boy has died after a car hit pedestrians in a car park in Whitstable.Emergency crews were called to the junction of Harbour Street and Cromwell Road on Saturday night and a man in his 20s has been arrested.Also in today's podcast, two people are due in court charged with murder following the death of a man in Gravesend.Police were called to a disturbance involving a group of people outside a property on Augustine Road last Tuesday night. It's been revealed temporary accommodation is costing councils in Kent almost £50 million a year.That's up from around £26 million two years...
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Podcast: Residents of Elham Valley Caravan Park left in shock after eviction notices were posted on homes giving them 14 days to leave
Friday, 15 August 2025
Residents at a caravan park near Canterbury fear they will be left on the streets after being given 14 days to leave.Elham Valley Holiday Park, which is also known as Goldpark Leisure, currently has around 19 caravans with some occupants having lived there for 10 years.Hear from one of the residents after an eviction notice was taped to his door.The King has said today the sacrifices of VJ Day should 'never be forgotten' as we mark the 80th anniversary.This was when Japan surrendered, officially ending the Second World War. Flags are being raised across Kent including at The Vine Gardens in...
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Podcast: Thousands of students across Kent collect A-level results
Thursday, 14 August 2025
Three teenagers charged with murder following the death of a man on a Sheppey beach are due to make a first appearance at crown court today.Alexander Cashford, 49, who had a home in Warden Bay, is said to have suffered multiple injuries in Leysdown on Sunday night.Also in today's podcast, a murder investigation is underway after a man in his 30s died following a stabbing in Gravesend.Police were called to reports of a disturbance outside a property in Augustine Road late on Tuesday night.Figures today show a record number of students across the country have got into their first-choice unive...
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Podcast: Man, 22, dies after Kawasaki motorbike hits kerb on A2070 Bad Munstereifel Road in Ashford
Wednesday, 13 August 2025
A motorcyclist has died following a crash which closed a major road in Ashford.The 22-year-old was riding a bike that hit a kerb on the A2070 last night.Also in today's episode, three teenagers have been charged with murder following the death of a man on Sheppey.Police were called to the Warden Bay Road area of Leysdown at around 7pm on Sunday following reports of an altercation involving a small group of people. Alexander Cashford, 49, died at the scene.Figures seen by the KentOnline Podcast show more animals are being attacked with weapons in Kent than anywhere else in England.32 cases w...
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Podcast: Teenagers remain in custody on suspicion of murder after man in Leysdown on Sheppey reportedly hit with concrete slab
Tuesday, 12 August 2025
Three children are still being questioned by police on suspicion of murder following the death of a man on Sheppey.It's been reported the victim, who was in his 40s, suffered severe head injuries after being hit with a concrete slab in the Warden Bay Road area of Leysdown on Sunday night.Also in today's podcast, police have increased patrols in part of Maidstone following reports of motorbikes and e-bikes being ridden antisocially.People living in the Coombe Road area of Tovil have raised concerns.There are concerns the cost of parking in Rainham could put shoppers off visiting the town.Dri...
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Podcast: Three teenagers arrested on suspicion of murder after man dies following 'altercation' in Leysdown-on-Sea, Sheppey
Monday, 11 August 2025
Three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man on Sheppey.Police were called to the Warden Bay Road area of Leysdown shortly after 7pm yesterday.It had been reported that a row had broken out among a small group of people and a man was seriously injured in an attack.Also in today's podcast, a Kent mum says she's been forced to give up her career because her son has been left without a school place.Leighton, 10, from Maidstone has additional needs and hasn't been in class since the start of the year.The leader of Kent County Council says Reform UK has ...
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Podcast: Mum pays heartbreaking tribute after son, 4, died when he 'fell under' a bus outside Margate's QEQM hospital
Friday, 8 August 2025
A four-year-old boy has died after being hit by a bus outside a Kent hospital.Emergency crews rushed to the car park at the QEQM in Margate after it happened yesterday afternoon.The little boy has been named as Zaahir Jan and his mum has posted a heartbreaking tribute online.Also in today's podcast, two men have been charged with murder by detectives investigation the death of another man in Sittingbourne.He reportedly fell from a wall and collided with a vehicle after being chased in the town centre on Saturday night.A housing company's being urged to do more to support residents in Strood...
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Podcast: Homeless Gravesend man jailed after stabbing teenager following a fight outside Tesco Express store
Thursday, 7 August 2025
A man has told a court he's 'scared to walk the streets' after being stabbed by a homeless man in Gravesend.The victim was attacked by Gary Stephens after intervening in an argument he was having with a woman outside a Tesco store in 2022.Also in today's podcast, the leader of the opposition at Kent County Council has criticised the way Reform UK are behaving in cabinet meetings.Lib Dem councillor and leader of the opposition at KCC Antony Hook has spoken out - you can hear from him and a response from Reform's chief whip at KCC, Maxwell Harrison.A Kent MP has raised concerns about Britain'...
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Podcast: Man in court after jumping on ex's BMW at traffic lights in Dover and punching windscreen
Wednesday, 6 August 2025
A man who jumped on his ex's car at traffic lights in Dover has avoided jail - despite already being banned from contacting her.A court was told the 32-year-old saw her by chance in the town and smashed the windscreen in June.Also in today's podcast, a Folkestone man whose mum and step-dad are being held in Iran says they've been allowed to make their first call home.Lindsay and Craig Foreman were detained on suspicion of espionage while on a motorbike tour around the world.The boss of a Kent charity that trains dogs for children with Type 1 diabetes has told us they're having to pause the ...
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Podcast: Family forced to leave Parkdean Resorts in Margaret's Bay, Dover after finding bed bugs
Tuesday, 5 August 2025
A family have been forced to leave a Kent holiday park in the middle of the night after finding bugs on their bedding.The Allen's had booked a five-night stay at Parkdean Resorts in St Margaret’s Bay, near Dover - hear from reporter Oliver Leonard who has been following the story.Also in today's podcast, a Margate mum, who's battling breast cancer, says she's stuck in a nightmare legal battle to evict a tenant from her former family home.Kelly Eastland needs £60,000 to pay for pioneering treatment in Germany. She's been explaining what has happened over the past few months.Police have launc...
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Podcast: Flowers left in memory of man in his 20s who died in a motorbike crash in Herne Bay
Monday, 4 August 2025
Flowers have been left at the scene of a crash in Herne Bay following the death of a motorcyclist.The man in his 20s was riding along Reculver Road when he was involved in a collision near the junction with Terminus Drive in the early hours of Saturday.Also in today's podcast, an MP has raised concerns about plans for a housing development on land in Rainham.An application for hundreds of homes on an orchard off Pump Lane was previously rejected - but now the land's been included in the council's Local Plan.Hear from Naushabah Khan who has joined residents at a protest.A Medway man with inc...
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Podcast: Medway Maritime Hospital criticised after mouse droppings found under patient's bed and in drawers
Friday, 1 August 2025
A woman whose mum is being treated at Medway Maritime Hospital has raised concerns about a mice infestation on the ward.82-year-old Christine Dobbs was reluctantly admitted after suffering a fall at home, but her stay has been marred by what her family says is a “shocking” rodent problem.Hear from Christine's daughter, we have also got a response from the hospital.Also in today's podcast, parents in Kent are being urged to make sure their children are fully vaccinated as levels of measles remain high.145 cases in England have been detected this month - and it's said to be spreading fast in ...
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Podcast: Landlord Fergus Wilson left with £60,000 repair bill after three properties turned into cannabis factories
Thursday, 31 July 2025
A landlord's been left with a £60,000 repair bill after three of his properties were turned into cannabis factories.Drugs were found being grown at homes owned by Fergus Wilson in Ashford, Aylesford and Boughton Monchelsea near Maidstone. Reporter James Pallant has been covering the story and joins the podcast.Also on today's episode, a former Kent MP hasn't ruled out trying to win back his seat - but for a different party.Adam Holloway has confirmed he's left the Conservatives and joined Reform. He represented Gravesham for 19 years but lost his seat to Labour at the last election.A Medway...
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Podcast: Woman, 23, left with 'large hole in head' after being attacked by a stranger in Maidstone
Wednesday, 30 July 2025
A young woman's told us she's scared to walk in Maidstone town centre alone after being victim of a violent robbery.Mercie Doe was attacked as she walked near the Archbishop's Palace in August last year, she was thrown to the ground and her bag was stolen.Mercie has bravely spoken about her ordeal and told the podcast what she thinks should be done to improve safety for women and girls.Also in today's podcast, a coroner's criticised the training and lack of basic medical kit provided by a private ambulance firm - after a teenager died at Margate's Dreamland.A mum from Sevenoaks has told the...
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Podcast: Private security firm Akon brought in to crack down on anti-social behaviour in Herne Bay
Tuesday, 29 July 2025
Private security guards have been brought in to help tackle anti-social behaviour in Herne Bay.A company called Akon has been given a six-week contract to support council enforcement teams and police. It's costing £8,500 and comes after concerns about gangs of young people "terrorising" the town.Also in today's podcast, organisers of a free princess-themed event in Maidstone have been forced to cancel it due to council charges.Snow Princess Parties holds an annual parade in Brenchley Gardens - where youngsters can meet their favourite fairytale and Disney characters.Plans to help families w...
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Podcast: The Grapevine cafe in Dover will be closed until further notice after a fire caused damage to the business
Monday, 28 July 2025
A cafe in Dover has been forced to close until further notice after a fire ripped through the building.Bosses say they're "heartbroken" after crews were called to tackle the blaze in the early hours of yesterday.Also in today's podcast, fans have been celebrating England's win in the final of the Women's Euros.A mural has been unveiled of Kent striker Alessia Russo at her former club ahead of a victory parade by the Lionesses.We have been hearing from a group that runs cooking sessions for families in Maidstone as we approach the end of kmfm's Tonnes of Tins campaign.Celebration Church will...
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Podcast: Shocking finds inside Indian takeaway Simla Brasserie in Cliftonville, Margate, as ‘multiple risks to food safety’ uncovered
Friday, 25 July 2025
Hygiene inspectors have found “multiple risks to food safety” at a popular Indian takeaway - including a mouldy freezer and a bucket of raw chicken being stored at room temperature.The restaurant in Cliftonville has hundreds of five-star ratings on food delivery app JustEat, but Thanet District Council officers found its facilities in a shocking state.Also in today’s podcast, a Sheppey woman is calling for CCTV to be installed at an accident blackspot after three of her cars were written off in crashes.In the last 16 years of living in Marine Parade, £12,000 of damage has been done to Aman...
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Podcast: Mum wins fight to turn her house into children’s home in Aylesham - despite 150 objections
Thursday, 24 July 2025
A mum has been granted permission to convert her house into a children’s home – despite facing huge opposition.Vanessa Idada’s application to transform the five-bed property in Aylesham was approved unanimously at a Dover District Council planning committee meeting.Also in today’s podcast, we’ve heard from the RSPCA ahead of what’s expected to be a busy summer in Kent, with the charity saying they often see a spike in animal cruelty cases this time of year. It follows figures released earlier this month which showed there were 930 reports in June, July and August 2024 A Kent County Councill...
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Podcast: Man in his 50s dies on M2 between J1 for Strood and J3 for Chatham and Rochester
Wednesday, 23 July 2025
A man in his 50s has died following an incident which shut part of the M2.Police were called to a section of the busy motorway between Strood and Chatham just before 5 this morning. Also in today's podcast, a plumber who had been out drinking ended up in a police chase after accepting a lift home in a stolen Asda delivery van - which was later used to ram a police car.He’d drunk more than usual when he got into the vehicle, which had been stolen by his friend after it was left unattended during a delivery to a customer in Gillingham. A family has spoken of their disabled dad’s devastation a...
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Podcast: Mum says ‘pigs in a sty live better’ than her six children in ‘claustrophobic’ two-bedroom Faversham home
Tuesday, 22 July 2025
A mum housed in a two-bed council home with six of her children says “pigs in a sty live more comfortably” than her family.Rebecca Waller is desperate to be moved somewhere bigger than the “claustrophobic” semi-detached property in Faversham.Also in today’s podcast, there's been an increase in the number of Kent police officers who are being signed off work for mental health reasons.Figures show there were 320 last year, which is a five percent increase on the year before – you can hear from the Kent Police Federation chair about the statistics. A charity boss fears there could be a rise in...
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Podcast: Family plea for help after 30-year-old from Chatham diagnosed with rare cancer believed to be only adult case in UK
Monday, 21 July 2025
The family of a 30-year-old battling a cancer so “horrific” that medical professionals cried while performing radiotherapy is pleading for help with more treatment.Chatham man Alex Able is believed to be the only adult ever recorded in the UK to be diagnosed with the very rare and aggressive Rhabdoid tumour and is now in a race against the clock.Also in today’s podcast, you can hear from a Kent campaigner who agrees the system for regulating water companies should be overhauled and Ofwat replaced. It’s after a landmark review of the sector outlined 88 recommendations to the government to tu...
