KENT Police have warned that they will take action against anyone making false claims of robbery.

The warning comes after a 19-year-old student from Walmer, near Deal, was issued with an £80 fixed penalty notice after he claimed he was threatened with a knife and had his laptop and mobile phone stolen.

He alleged the incident happened in Canterbury city centre earlier this month. Officers began investigating after the "crime" was reported but when spoken to by police later the student admitted making a false claim and wasting police time.

PC Dave O’Brien said: “I think he thought that once he admitted what he had done that would be it and he would be free to go.

“We will investigate crimes of this nature but if we are simply being used to assist false claims then be assured we will take action.”