Police called for overhead assistance after a man fled from officers in Maidstone town centre.

The Kent and Essex Police helicopter was called to Cromwell Road, shortly before 2.50pm today, to help find the alleged offender.

A force spokesman said patrols were trying to locate a suspected shoplifter who they had attempted to to detain near Sainsbury's in Wat Tyler Way.

He was found nearby and arrested at about 3.10pm.