A huge police search has been launched in woodland as officers hunt for a wanted man who fled a car nearby.

Armed officers have been spotted in Boughton near Faversham, with a police helicopter circling overhead.

They are searching Hurst Wood and patrol teams have been seen knocking on nearby residents' doors as they seek to locate the driver of a car linked to a reported theft in Wingham earlier today.

Police cars are currently parked in Dunkirk Road South, with unmarked vehicles also spotted.

A spokesperson for the force said: “At around 1.20 pm on August 11, a car linked to a reported theft in Wingham failed to stop for officers when requested to do so on the A28 near the village of Chartham.

“The vehicle was pursued before it was abandoned by the driver near Boughton-under-Blean. A woman was arrested on suspicion of theft and enquiries are ongoing to locate a second suspect.”

More as we have it.