KentOnline

Football fever is gripping Kent ahead of England's World Cup semi final tonight.

The Three Lions are taking on Argentina in Atlanta.

We've been chatting to Darryl Haden who is the chief exec of the Kent FA.

Also in today's podcast, we've got an update on the investigation into the death of former Maidstone MP Ann Widdecombe.

In yesterday's episode we told you how anti-terror police are now leading the inquiry.

They've now said 78-year-old Miss Widdecombe - who represented part of the county in parliament for 23 years - was...

It's been confirmed today that work to remove the masts of a famous bomb ship that sank off Sheppey will get underway in September.

The SS Richard Montgomery ran aground during the second world war and has 1,400 tonnes of explosives on board.

The vessels masts can be see protruding from the water and will be taken to Chatham's historic dockyard to be preserved.

Also in today's podcast, Andy Burnham says police must be given the 'space they need' to investigate the death of former Maidstone MP Ann Widdecombe.

The incoming Prime Min...

A man's due in court later charged with murder after a body was found in a suitcase in woodland near Rochester.

Police were called to Borstal Recreation Ground on Friday and it's thought the victim was initially attacked in London. Hear from reporter Joe Crossley who has been covering the story.

Detectives have been given more time to question a man arrested on suspicion of murdering former Maidstone MP Ann Widdecombe.

The 28 year-old was arrested in Rotherham on Saturday night, 200 miles from her home in Dartmoor.

A Kent MP has warned...

Former Kent MP Ann Widdecombe has died at the age of 78.

She was the Conservative representative for Maidstone for 23 years, and famously appeared on Strictly in 2010. In recent years she became an advisor for Reform UK. Hear the time she appeared on the Kent Politics Podcast.

Also on today's podcast, a report out today has raised concerns about 27-hour waiting times for A&E patients at a Kent hospital.

Inspectors visited the William Harvey in Ashford in February, and found "unacceptable" overcrowding. Urgent and emergency care has been rated as requires improvement. Hear fr...

A top human rights lawyer says she is convinced one of Kent’s most notorious killers is innocent and should have his conviction quashed.

Michael Stone was jailed for murdering Lin Russell and her daughter Megan in a brutal attack in Chillenden in 1996, but has always denied being responsible.

Also in today's episode, a major route has been partially shut due to a serious collision involving a lorry and a female pedestrian.

Police were called to the A20 Snargate Street in Dover in the early hours of this morning.

A Rochester ma...

With an amber heat health alter coming into force for Kent today, a farmer says the warm weather could be disastrous for this year's harvest.

We're into our third heatwave of the summer with temperatures again in the 30s. There's hardly been any rain either.

Hear from Jos Jones who runs a farm near Meopham and has been speaking to Lucy.

Also in today's podcast, the Reform UK leader of Kent County Council says she supports Nigel Farage's decision to trigger a by-election in Clacton.

He's standing down and will run...

A Kent singer who featured on the hit song Party Rock Anthem has died at the age of 36.

Lauren Bennett was born in Meopham, and appeared on the X-Factor as a teenager.

Also in today's podcast, two people have been arrested during a crackdown on organised crime across Kent.

One man was detained in Dartford on suspicion of modern slavery offences, while another near Sevenoaks was wanted for theft. Police have been telling us more about the operation.

As part of Alcohol Awareness Week, a Kent man has revealed how he l...

A mum-of-two from Deal who was stalked by her ex-partner says she's worried he won't stop, after a judge said he was powerless to send him to prison.

Hugh Kennedy subjected Vicky Mickford to four months of harassment after their five-year relationship ended.

The 63-year-old from Sandown Road has been given a restraining order. Hear from reporter Millie Bowles who has been covering the story.

Also in today's episode, we've been hearing more about how Pride in Place funding could be spent on Sheppey.

The east end of the island is g...

Ahead of another heat health alert coming into force tomorrow, there is a warning not enough is being done to protect care workers in Kent during the hot weather.

The UNISON union is concerned about staff who are trying to care for people in the scorching temperatures.

Also in today's episode, an Ashford woman who grew up in Venezuela has told us the devastation in her country following a double earthquake is hard to comprehend.

Tingy Simoes Lopez is collecting emergency kit to help rescuers as tens of thousands of people are still...

The owners of a boat trip service in Maidstone have called for action to tackle anti-social behaviour after they were targeted with rocks and bottles.

The couple, who run Kentish Lady Cruises, have also reported being abused while out on the river in the town.

Hear from Reporter Davina Jethwa who has been covering this story.

Also in today's podcast, another heat health alert has been issued for Kent ahead of what's expected to be a scorching weekend.

Temperatures could hit 30 degrees and the yellow health warning will be in force...

A mum has called for “empathy, support and safe spaces” for the trans community following the death of her teenage daughter.

Sigrid Taylor was born in Ashford and went to school in Canterbury before relocating to America with her family when she was 7.

The 19 year-old had moved back to Herne Bay about a year before her death and a fundraiser's been set up to pay for a headstone.

Also in today's podcast, dozens of pupils are having to find a different school to go to in September after a new one near Thanet failed t...

A major review into NHS maternity services has found the system is not fit to consistently deliver high-quality care and requires urgent reform.

It's been led by Baroness Amos in a bid to drive urgent improvements.

Families who'd received treatment at East Kent Hospitals were among those who contributed to the report. They reported that maternity care is still “fragmented” - but staff say morale has improved.

Hear from a mum whose baby was stillborn at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

Also in today's podcast, a leading Kent politician has told u...

Our top story today is developing news regarding a major emergency response in Headcorn.

People living on Lenham Road have told us they heard lots of sirens at about 5pm yesterday.

Police and ambulance crews had arrived at the scene and set up a cordon, with other motorists being turned away.

Also in today's podcast, a man in his 30s has been seriously injured after a stabbing outside a pub in Maidstone.

He was taken to a London hospital after a police were called to the the High Street near The St...

A Kent woman fears her son could be left without either of his parents unless she's able to travel abroad for cancer treatment.

Candice Powell from Swanley was first diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2019 following a smear test.

After treatment, she was given the all clear the following year, but started to feel unwell in May 2025. The 39 year-old has been sharing her story.

Also in today's podcast, the ambulance service covering Kent say they've seen a 20% increase in calls this week because of the hot weather.

A red warning for extreme...

A young woman from Gravesend has been charged with murder after a man was found dead in Dubai.

23-year-old Brooke George, who's an influencer on TikTok, is being held in custody.

She's accused of killing a 26 year-old but claims to have been acting in self-defence following a violent assault. Hear from senior reporter Joe Crossley who has been following the story.

Also in today's podcast, firefighters in Kent say they can't rule out strike action, as they fight plans to close some on-call stations.

Changes to the service are being discussed at...

A red warning for extreme heat has come into force in part of Kent on what could be the hottest day of the year so far.

This is only the second time the most severe alert has been issued.

Some schools in the county have decided to stay closed today, while others are shutting early as temperatures could reach around 35c. Hear from Kent's deputy director of public health.

Meantime, dispersal orders have been put in place across Thanet to try and stop antisocial behaviour on the coast.

Police have been...

A new poll's found one in four people in Kent who voted for Brexit would now back Remain if the referendum was held again.

More than 1,300 residents across the county have been asked for their opinion 10 years on from the vote.

Back then, 59% of people in Kent chose to leave the EU, according to the survey 57% would now vote to stay.

We've been speaking to people across the county and also have the thoughts of the chief executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, and a man leading a Rejoin campaign.

A...

Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to resign as Prime Minister.

Speaking outside Downing Street, he said he was proud of everything he had achieved since taking over as head of the Labour Party six years ago.

He's confirmed a leadership contest will be held over the summer. Lucy's been getting reaction from local democracy reports Simon Finlay and Robert Boddy.

Also on today's episode, with another amber heat health alert in force across Kent, a campaign is underway to keep us safe by the water.

Temperatures are expected to hit the...

Residents have raised concerns about a motorway slip road near Faversham being closed for several weeks as part of a house building project.

Developer Redrow is currently building an estate in the town known as Preston Fields. At the moment, access to the site is via Canterbury Road along the A2, however, they're going to create a second entrance via Ashford Road.

Once complete, it will be situated a few hundred metres from Junction 6 of the M2 but while the work takes place, the coastbound slip road will be shut.

Also in today's...

A mum has criticised a private school's decision to throw hundreds of books into a skip.

They were spotted by Becky outside the King's School in Rochester, and she says she was "horrified" - but bosses have defended the decision.

Also in today's episode, campaigners say they are disappointed plans for homes on a former school site in Hythe have been given the go ahead.

The estate will include a mix of 150 houses and flats on what used to be Foxwood School.

An object found by a metal detectorist in Kent ha...

Kent's biggest school is closed today as teachers and support staff go on strike.

They're walking out over six days between now and July 2nd in a dispute over compulsory job losses at Homewood in Tenterden.

It's after plans to move the school to a new trust fell through earlier this year. Hear from the local National Education Union rep and a teacher who is on the picket line.

Also in today's episode, hear from a young dad who has praised staff at Medway Maritime Hospital after his baby was born with a r...

The family of a Chatham man who's been detained by immigration agents in the US say they're desperate to reunite him with his wife and twin sons.

29-year-old Connor Read was in the process of applying for a green card when he was taken to an ICE detention centre. It's understood a removal order had been activated because he didn't have the correct visa.

Reporter Joe Crossley has been speaking to his wife Jaelin.

Also in today's podcast, a Chatham man who stabbed another man after a row over a 10 pound phone debt h...

It's been announced under-16s are going to be banned from using social media.

Sites like TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram will be off limits, in a bid to protect young people from online harms.

The Prime Minister says he's giving kids their childhood back - we've got reaction from Rochester-based social media consultant Zoe Cairns.

Also on today's episode, the boss of a Canterbury bar that was forced to close following a huge fire next door hopes they could reopen before the end of the summer.

Tokyo Tearooms had to close...

After a deadly outbreak of meningitis in Kent earlier this year, a one-off vaccination programme's being offered to help protect Year 13 pupils across England.

Two young people died after falling ill from the disease in March which was linked to a nightclub in Canterbury.

Under 25s starting Uni for the first time are also being offered two doses of the MenB jab.

Also in today's episode, a 91 year-old woman has been forced to leave her home of 20 years, just weeks after being targeted by thieves.

Queenie Watts was a resident of...

A Kent mum whose son has a rare genetic condition affecting his mobility says it's 'ridiculous' she's been denied a blue badge.

Two year-old Ronnie, who lives in Paddock Wood, has been diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid syndrome.

Mum Charlotte Jenner says it's dangerous trying to get him in and out of a vehicle if she can't park in a designated space.

South East Water have agreed to double the amount of compensation for businesses in Tunbridge Wells affected by outages over the winter.

Around 24,000 properties were impacted by a problem at the...

A Kent man who was sent to prison after being prosecuted by the Post Office is trying to clear his name after hearing about the Horizon scandal.

Simon Edgecombe was convicted after selling a van to a staff member who took money from the till to cover the cost back in 1983.

He says there was paperwork to prove it was a legitimate transaction, but he was found guilty by a jury and locked up for 12 months. The 71-year-old has been sharing his story in a bid find evidence that will quash the conviction.

...

A West Malling man who threatened members of his own family and tried to attack one after smashing in to their home has been jailed.

A court's been told how Dane May carried out a relentless campaign against his mum and two siblings, including League One footballer Alfie May.

The 38-year-old from Edington Way has been locked up for more than seven years and will spend a further three on licence when he's released.

Also in today's podcast, a warning has been issued about the World Cup leading to a rise in domestic...

Bosses in Ashford have launched an investigation into a new-build estate in the town following complaints from residents.

People living in homes on Nightingale View in Hamstreet have reported cracked footpaths, dead trees and patchy, dying grass.

The developer insists it's working on a plan to get the area up to scratch, while the council say they're looking at whether any planning breaches have occurred. Hear from reporter Louis Walker who has been covering the story.

Also on today's episode, a driver who reached speeds of more than 100 miles per hour in heavy...

Kent Police have told the KentOnline Podcast how they'll be using targeted operations this summer to tackle antisocial behaviour.

It's been a problem during the warm weather - particularly at the coast.

Officers are now stepping up patrols and using dispersal orders to move on anyone causing trouble.

Also in today's episode, a search is underway for a hit and run driver who left a pet dog with serious injuries near Dover.

Sully, a 21-month-old Labrador, had to have a leg amputated after being struck by a van in the Whitfield...

Bosses at a Kent solar farm have apologised after using water from a roadside standpipe to clean panels, when taps in nearby homes were running dry.

A bowser was seen arriving at Cleve Hill Park in Graveney near Faversham during the outages in the recent hot weather.

Also in today's episode, a mother and daughter from Maidstone have been jailed after going on a shopping spree with a credit card stolen from a 91-year-old woman.

It was taken from the victim's home and one of the women was found by police hiding in...

The owners of a seafood business in Hythe have told KentOnline that a video posted on social media by the local MP about so called 'dodgy shops' has contributed to their decision to close.

Boathouse Fisheries opened a fishmongers and bistro on the High Street in February last year, but after 16 months in the town, they're shutting because of rising business rates, higher wages, increasing energy bills and reduced footfall.

However, they've also criticised a video posted online by MP Tony Vaughan.

Also in today's podcast, after more than a dozen people lost...

It's claimed significant changes to IVF provision in Kent have been brought in 'under the radar'.

From the start of April, the number of cycles on the NHS has been cut from two to one, while the upper age limit for women to start treatment has been lowered from 40 to 38.

Health papers due to be discussed by councillors this week suggests the change brings Kent in-line with most other areas. Hear from a county councillor who is also a former NHS director.

Also in today's podcast, a dad who lives near Maidstone has...

A mum's told the podcast how she burst into tears after finding out a hospice in Kent that supports her son, will be withdrawing its service for children.

Six year-old Kit Slessor-Pavely has life-limiting complex needs and is regularly visited by staff from the Hospice in the Weald in Pembury.

But the charity say fundraising hasn't kept up with rising costs and 10 jobs are at risk. Hear from Kit's mum Kaz who has set up a petition.

Also in today's episode, around 4,000 homes in Kent are still experiencing problems with their water supply.<...

A huge pile of rubbish has been left outside a block of flats in Medway for weeks, with residents complaining about the smell during the hot weather.

Council-contracted bin men have refused to clear up the mountain of bin bags and cardboard in the car park of Samuels Tower in Chatham and landlords who took over the block last year say it's an ongoing problem.

Also in today's podcast, people in Whitstable are being warned their water supply could stay patchy over the weekend, after taps ran dry.

South East Water says supply...

The body of a teenage boy has been found in Swanscombe following concerns about a swimmer in a pond.

Police, paramedics and fire crews were called to water near Galley Hill Road at around 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon.

Scuba divers were also spotted heading to the scene.

Also in today's podcast, TikTok influencers have denied fuelling trouble on a Kent beach over the bank holiday which led to a number of arrests and people being moved on by police.

Videos shared on the social media site described a gathering at Viking Bay...

Antisocial behaviour during the hot weather in Thanet over the weekend has led to six people being arrested.

Dispersal orders were put in place in Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate with officers also called to reports of underage drinking.

One teenager was detained for assaulting an emergency worker and possession of cannabis - while another was held for criminal damage and assault.

Also on today's podcast, disruption to water supplies is continuing for residents in various parts of Kent.

South East Water have apologised to customers in Whitstable, Herne Bay and Maidstone...

A bin lorry driver, who injured a woman after crashing into her car at a crossroads near Maidstone, has been spared jail and allowed to keep his licence.

Dino Farrell, 52, from Bedson Walk in Rainham, failed to stop at a four-way junction in Langley in February 2024 - having not seen a ‘Stop’ sign and an unbroken white line marking.

Also in today's podcast, lifeboat crews in Kent have issued a warning after being called out to several emergencies involving jet skis during the hot weather.

One was found abandoned near a shipping lane off...

A Kent widow who was conned out of almost £150,000 said her late husband was driven out of his home by a cowboy builder.

Two men have been convicted of fraud following an eight-week trial, after scamming victims out of a total of £1.3 million.

Also in today's episode, there are concerns children in Kent could go hungry during half term as a voucher scheme has been scrapped.

The county council previously provided £10 a week for pupils on free school meals to use during the holidays, but it has been withdrawn due to 'funding constraints'.

A grandmother who brake-checked a driver on a dual carriageway leading to a crash which killed a motorcyclist has been sentenced to five years in prison.

55-year-old Collette Gibson from Lime Close in South Ockendon, Essex was convicted of causing Paul Wright’s death on the A249 near Sittingbourne in 2022.

Also in today's episode, a registered sex offender who was caught talking to a 13-year-old girl online has been locked up for two years.

Police have released footage of his interview, where he claimed he only started the conversation to get her banned fr...

East Kent Hospitals is offering employees one-off payments to leave their jobs as part of plans to reduce their workforce.

Health campaigners have raised concerns about the loss of clinical staff, which bosses insist won't happen.

We are being warned to expect a busy weekend on the roads as Operation Brock comes into force on the M20.

The Bank Holiday and half term getaway will see thousands of people heading through Dover and Folkestone.

The MP for Folkestone and Hythe is calling for better support and action to stop ex-offenders committing...