Three men have been arrested following a car chase after an 81-year-old man’s car full of Christmas presents was stolen from Bluewater car park.

It came after police spotted a vehicle entering Bluewater at 2.30pm last Sunday.

They chased the vehicle, which stopped several miles away in Green Street Green Road, Dartford.

Three men, all from London and aged 27, 32 and 43 years old, have now been arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

The arrests follow an appeal for witnesses in connection with an incident at 3.48pm on Tuesday, November 15 where a car was reportedly stolen from an elderly man in the Lower Thames Walk car park at Bluewater.

The pensioner was sitting in his brand new Skoda with the engine running when he was approached by two men in another vehicle.

They spoke to the driver saying there was something dangerous on the back of his car.

When the pensioner got out of the vehicle one of the men got into his car and drove it away.

The victim had just been Christmas shopping with his wife and was awaiting her return when the incident happened.

He had a boot full of gifts when the car went missing and an online appeal was launched to help them re-buy their presents.

Almost £1,000 was collected for them.

Inspector Gary Woodward said: "Distraction thefts, which target elderly and vulnerable people, are particularly callous, and Kent Police works hard to bring those responsible to justice.

"I would advise people to be cautious and on their guard when approached by strangers, and to keep all personal belongings with them at all times."

Officers have bailed the 27-year-old and 32-year-old until Tuesday, February 21, 2017, along with the 43-year-old who has been bailed until Wednesday, February 22, 2017.

Anyone with information about the incident can call Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting reference XY/45719/16.