Ashford: Arrests after lorry leaves trail of destruction
11:29, 19 September 2017
A 7-ton lorry left a trail of destruction across Ashford - damaging parked cars, roadworks and street signs.
Police are appealing for witnesses after the white Iveco vehicle was stolen from Kent Wool Growers in the early hours.
It demolished two sets of barriers in Tannery Lane and was then driven around the town, before police used a stinger in Templer Way and the lorry was stopped in Singleton Road.
A 16-year-old boy from the Ashford area was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and theft of a motor vehicle.
A 20-year-old man from the Ashford area was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent.
Detective Constable Andrew Dale said: "The lorry was driven erratically through Ashford and we know it hit bollards, street signs, roadworks and possibly parked vehicles.
"We are appealing for anyone who saw the theft or the lorry as it was driven through the town.
"We also want to hear from anyone who believes their property may have been damaged."
A barrier in Tannery Lane leading to the Stour Centre was damaged in the incident.
An Ashford Borough Council spokesman said access to the Stour and Civic Centres is now possible via Tannery Lane but exit remains only through Station Approach.
The pair arrested are currently in police custody.
If you can help, phone police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference number 19-0026.