Police are searching for a pair of number plates and have charged a man after the alleged theft of cigarettes led to a dramatic police chase.

Officers pursued a vehicle on Thursday afternoon after reports of a large quantity of cigarettes being stolen from a trolley outside the Bookers store in Broad Oak Road, Canterbury.

Detectives are now appealing to the public for information on a pair of number plates which were reportedly ditched in the city after the incident.

DC Shelah Thompson said: "The plates end in ETR and we have reason to believe they may have been discarded in the North Lane area of Canterbury."

It is reported that a couple were loading items into their car when someone pulled up beside them and stole the cigarettes.

Officers later arrested a 26-year-old man driving a VW Golf on the M20 near Swanley but a Ford Focus failed to stop and a police chase ensued.

The Focus collided with a Toyota Yaris in Sidcup and the 60-year-old woman driver of the Toyota was treated for minor injuries.

James Baker, 26, of Orpington, has now been charged with theft, going equipped for theft and driving while disqualified.

He appeared at Channel Magistrates Court in Dover on Saturday and was remanded in custody until Friday when is due before Thanet Magistrates via a video link.

A 21-year-old man and a 27-year-old man from Sidcup were arrested on suspicion of theft.

A 23-year-old man from Dartford was arrested on suspicion of theft, theft of a motor vehicle and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

All three have been bailed until Thursday, February 11, while inquiries continue.

If anyone finds the number plates please contact police on 01843 222289 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference ZY/37521/15.