A man has been arrested after off-duty police saw a woman being attacked in the city centre.

Three officers spotted the assault unfolding in Canterbury and sprang into action to detain the man near Union Street.

The trio witnessed the incident on the evening of Wednesday, August 31.

A police statement said they made themselves known to the pair before the man attempted to run from the scene.

But the officers followed the suspect and, after a short chase on foot, he was arrested on suspicion of assault.

Supt Rob Marsh, divisional commander for North Kent, said: "The saying goes that a police officer is never off duty and this is a true example of that.

"The actions of these officers not only safeguarded and assisted a victim at a time of need, but by springing into action they were able to identify the suspect and ensure he was arrested at the earliest opportunity without putting themselves or members of the public at risk.

"We always work to put victims and witnesses at the heart of everything we do and the response given by these officers is a great example of this."

A 22-year-old man from Herne Bay, who was arrested on suspicion of assault and theft, has since been released on bail until September 24 pending further enquiries.