Two police chases in quick succession where a helicopter helped to follow the suspects resulted in a string of arrests on the same day.

Police were informed last Monday of a suspected stolen car at around 8pm that was linked to a reported shoplifting from a petrol station in Swanley.

Officers, with help from the police helicopter, found and pursued the vehicle to Gildenhill Road where they made two arrests.

Joe Rossiter, 39, of Hart Dyke Crescent, Swanley, has since appeared before Medway magistrates and pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without insurance or a licence, failing to supply a blood test and two counts of theft.

He was granted bail by the court and will appear for sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court on a date to be determined.

A woman who was also arrested at the scene was released without charge.

Shortly after, officers were alerted to another car reported to have been driven in the area on false plates which was pursued to an address in Dartford.

Billy Jeeves, 33, of Mayfly Close, Orpington, was later charged with offences including dangerous driving, theft of fuel, failing to stop and driving without insurance or a licence.

He was granted bail by Medway magistrates and will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on February 22.

Rebecca Scott, 32, of Austin Road, Orpington, was charged with allowing herself to be transported in a vehicle that had been taken without the owner’s consent.

She received police bail and will appear before Sevenoaks magistrates on February 23.