Incident, arrest and charges
Kent Police were called to Reculver Walk in Maidstone at 07:44 on Saturday, 18 July, after reports of an assault. The victim, described as a man in his early 50s, sustained stab wounds and was treated at the scene by the South East Coast Ambulance Service before being airlifted to a London hospital. He has since been discharged.
Vehicle taken and recovery
Following the assault, the attacker is alleged to have taken the victim’s white Sprinter van. Officers subsequently located the vehicle on Woolley Road. A knife was found in Reculver Walk during the police search of the area.
Arrest, charge and custody
Later the same morning armed officers arrested a man in Swanscombe. He has been identified as Francisco Tsumba, 45, of no fixed address. On 19 July he was charged with attempted murder and taking a vehicle without consent. He appeared at Maidstone Magistrates' Court on 20 July and was remanded in custody. His next hearing is listed at Maidstone Crown Court on 17 August.
Police appeal for witnesses and evidence
Investigators are asking anyone who saw the incident or has not yet spoken to police to come forward. Officers have also requested that motorists with dashcam footage and residents with private CCTV review their recordings for material which could assist the inquiry.
"Anyone with information should call 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/116700/26," Kent Police said.
- Date and time: 07:44, Saturday 18 July
- Location: Reculver Walk; vehicle later found on Woolley Road
- Charged: Attempted murder and taking a vehicle without consent
Timeline
| Event | Date / time |
|---|---|
| Police called to Reculver Walk | 07:44, 18 July |
| Victim airlifted to London hospital | 18 July (morning) |
| Arrest in Swanscombe | 18 July (later that morning) |
| Charged | 19 July |
| Magistrates' Court appearance | 20 July |
| Crown Court listing | 17 August |
Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/116700/26. Details can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their online form.
This incident and the subsequent charge will remain under investigation as the case progresses through the courts. Local residents who may hold dashcam or CCTV footage have been specifically urged to check their recordings for anything relevant to the time and locations named above.
