Pictures show a BMW left dumped in a protected stream following a police chase.

The grey saloon was found ditched in Faversham this morning after the driver reportedly led officers on a 12-mile pursuit.

Police say the 5 Series’ failed to stop when requested near Junction 5 of the M2 and came to a halt near Westbrook Walk.

The ‘53 plate car remains in the water, while there appears to be damage to fences and benches along the path towards the stream.

Town councillor Rob Crayford said: “I’m absolutely appalled to hear that a car has been driven into the Westbrook Stream.

“Volunteers work incredibly hard all year round to maintain this stream and protect the wildlife that lives in and around it.

“I’m saddened to think of the environmental damage this will have caused to the habitat.”

The Westbrook Stream is a rare chalk waterway.

It boasts a range of semi-natural habitat types which have been identified as being the most threatened and requiring conservation action.

A police spokesman said: “At around 12.45am, officers on patrol on the M2 near Junction 5 required the driver of a car to stop.

“The vehicle did not stop and, following a pursuit, it came to a halt near Westbrook Walk, Faversham.

“The driver was detained on suspicion of multiple traffic offences and taken into custody.”

It is understood arrangements have been made to remove the vehicle.