Police investigating the theft of medical equipment from ambulance stations across the south east have arrested three men following a series of dawn raids.

This morning, officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate carried out simultaneous searches of premises on the Chislet Industrial Park and in Carlton Hill, Herne Bay, Old Tree Road, Hoath and Lucerne Drive, Seasalter.

Tens of thousands of pounds worth of suspected stolen medical equipment was recovered.

A 44-year-old man from Hoath was arrested on suspicion of robbery, aggravated burglary and handling stolen goods.

A 48-year-old man from Telford, Shropshire, was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and a 33-year-old man from Herne Bay arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

All three remain in police custody.