Three suspected thieves have been arrested after a car chase through a town centre.

A patrol car signaled for a Honda Civic to pull over in Stanhope Road, Swanscombe at around 5pm on Sunday, but it failed to stop, forcing officers to pursue it.

Witnesses reported seeing two police cars chase a red car through pedestrianised Windmill Street, Gravesend, where the car lost its bumper but drove on regardless.

The car reportedly came to a halt in St Benedict's Avenue, where three men were arrested shortly after.

A fire engine briefly attended the scene St Benedict's Avenue after reports of a collision on the road. Eyewitnesses reported this to be due to a fuel spill from the pursued car but Kent Fire and Rescue Service could not confirm this.

A police spokesman said: "A 21-year-old man from Gravesend was arrested on suspicion of theft and failing to stop after a collision.

"A 26-year-old man and a 23-year-old man, both from Gravesend, were arrested on suspicion of theft."

The 23-year-old and 26-year-old have both been bailed until September 28. The 21-year-old remains in custody.