Christmas cheer is alive in Kent after officers returned a haul of stolen presents to their rightful owner – less than 24 hours after they were nicked.

The victim, a woman from Longfield, was devastated when she returned to her car yesterday to find her morning’s shopping gone from the boot.

More than a dozen gifts for friends and family worth around £300 were taken while the car was parked at Asda in Greenhithe.

She immediately reported the incident to security staff at the store who alerted police.

And thanks to some quick thinking, fast detective work and CCTV, her haul of presents were found.

Less than 24 hours later they were back safe and sound at North Kent Police Station.

PC Gurmal Thind said: "It is the season of goodwill and it was lovely to be able to return these presents back to their rightful owner in time for Christmas.

"Hopefully they will now be able to have the happy Christmas they were hoping for."

Two women and a man have been arrested in connection with the theft. They are currently being quizzed by police.