A suspected thief is in custody after he was found hiding in a bush by a police dog.

German shepherd Eli sniffed out the alleged crook following reports two men were trying to steal telephone cables near the junction of Spring Lane and St Martin’s Hill in Canterbury.

The man was arrested in Military Road shortly after the call at 9.20pm last night, along with a second suspect.

Officers seized two pairs of bolt croppers and a ratchet strap from the scene, where a 4x4 that had been reported stolen was also located.

The men, aged 20 and 21, were arrested on suspicion of stealing the vehicle and going equipped for theft.

They remain in custody.