A man suspected of carrying out an historic robbery evaded police despite a huge search involving the force’s helicopter.

Officers on the ground and in the air began searching for the man after his car registration number was recognised last night by an ANPR camera in the Gillingham area.

People living in The Vineries area of town said the helicopter was circling at about 10pm while others in the Twydall area near Beechings Way said they could hear and see it with its search lights on.

Officers on the ground also searched gardens and alleyways for the suspect but never located him.

A police spokesman said: "The helicopter was up assisting officers on the ground searching for a man who made off from police but he was not found.

“He was wanted on suspicion of an historic robbery.”