Thieves seen stealing lead from the roof of a village church were chased by police patrols.

Officers responded to a call at 4.20am last Monday after four men were spotted loading tiles into a vehicle near St Mary's Church in East Farleigh.

Officers pursued a dark green Rover 75 with foreign registration plates to Fullingpits Avenue in Barming, where the occupants reportedly fled on foot.

A search of the area did not locate the suspects but the vehicle along with a quantity of lead, was seized.

Sgt Darren Walshaw from Kent Police’s Rural Task Force said: "The vigilance of a local resident and the prompt response by one of our patrols ensured the stolen property was recovered."

Police want to hear from anybody who saw suspicious behaviour near East Farleigh church at the time of the incident, or saw the Rover 75 being abandoned in Fullingpits Avenue.

Residents with private CCTV and motorists with dashcam are also asked to check for footage that may assist the investigation.

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting crime reference 46/118998/22 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by completing the online form on the website.