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A CHATHAM man wanted for the attempted murder and kidnap of a woman in the US almost 10 years ago has been arrested. Police arrested the 47-year-old in New Road on Monday after obtaining an extradition warrant issued by Westminster Magistrates' Court. The man, who has been living at an address in Victoria Road, was wanted by US authorities for the attempted murder and kidnap of a 22-year-old woman in New York in June 2004.  ...

A CIRCUS spectacular, an eight-foot bird and a flying machine are just some of the unusual acts coming to the streets of Medway for this year's Fuse Festival. The organisers of Fuse Medway Festival 2013 - taking place from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 June - promise a line-up of inspiring and exciting acts for the free outdoor event. Public spaces in Rochester, Gillingham and Chatham will be used to host performances by actors, dancers,...

THOUSANDS descended on Rochester for the start of the 33rd annual Sweeps Festival today. Morris dancers, folk musicians and costumed characters entertained crowds along the length of the High Street while live music rang out in Rochester Castle Gardens. The festival, officially opened by Mayor of Medway Cllr Vaughan Hewett outside the Guildhall this morning, is bigger than ever this year, with several live music stages and market...

TWO people are in a London hospital with serious injuries following a crash in Rochester last night. A 20-year-old man from Maidstone suffered life-threatening injuries and an 18-year-old Gillingham woman suffered serious leg injuries in the crash, which happened on City Way around 9.30pm. Police were called to the scene following reports of a collision involving a green Kawasaki motorcycle with a pillion and a silver Audi A4. The...

A LONG-HELD tradition heralding the start of Rochester's Sweeps Festival took place this morning. A cluster of morris dancers took part in the awakening of the Jack-in-the-Green at Blue Bell Hill. The ceremony, which takes place at sunrise, saw the group join a chorus before dancing. The tradition dates back to Victorian times when people would make elaborate garlands with flowers and leaves ahead of May Day celebrations. Over...

A BODY found yesterday in the River Medway is that of missing soldier Josh Thomas, police have confirmed. Police were called to the scene before 1pm after receiving a report saying a body was seen near Rochester Pier at The Esplanade. The Welsh soldier went missing almost three weeks ago following a night out with friends in the town. A Kent Police spokesperson said: "Kent Police can confirm the body found in the river off...

A BODY has been found in the River Medway. Police were called to the scene after receiving reports a body was seen near Rochester Pier at The Esplanade. The discovery was made before 1pm this afternoon. Emergency services are at the scene. Read more at This is Kent.

A MUSIC student from Medway is set to showcase his singing talents when he appears on hit BBC One talent show The Voice this weekend. Joseph Apostol, 21, from Gillingham, studies at MidKent College and has already performed several times to staff and fellow students. And he will try to win over some of the biggest names in music - Sir Tom Jones, Jessie J, will.i.am and Danny O'Donoghue - when millions of viewers watch him perform in...

A FAMILY made a narrow escape from a fire which broke out at their Chatham house - causing them to lose "virtually everything". The young family were celebrating a friend's birthday in the garden of their terraced house in Ingle Road when the fire broke out before 7pm last night. The group, who were having a barbecue with their three-year-old son while their 18-month-old son slept upstairs, had forgotten their kitchen's...

A HAMMER-wielding robber who demanded drugs from staff at a Walderslade chemist is being hunted by police. Officers were called to the robbery at Fenns Chemist in Walderslade Road at 10am this morning. The man reportedly threatened staff before leaving with an amount of prescription medication and headed in the direction of Boxley Road. No one was harmed during the robbery. Witnesses are being asked to come forward by police. A...