A man is due to appear in court after a police chase turned into a crash outside a primary school in Gillingham on Thursday, March 22.

Ryan Jarvis, 40, of Bedson Walk in Rainham will face charges of aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, and using a motor vehicle without a licence or insurance.

Jarvis appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court on Saturday, March 24 and was remanded to appear before Maidstone Crown Court on April 16.

The crash took place on Woodlands Road, outside Woodlands Primary School and involved two cars and an Age UK minibus, which was carrying elderly passengers, where three men were arrested at the scene and taken into custody.

The other two men have been released without charge.

Police say that a vehicle made off after attempts to pull it over in Upper Luton Road, Chatham, just after 3pm - and was then involved in the crash.

After losing track of the vehicle, reports were received that it has smashed into a car and minibus in Gillingham, as nearby parents waited to pick up their children.

Several people were treated at the scene with injuries and shock.

A road closure was set up in Woodlands Road from Beatty Avenue while investigations went on,

One witness, who asked not to be named, said: "I witnessed it. I didn’t have my phone so asked the man walking behind me to call 999. He looked up after getting his phone out and said 'that was quick!' Less than 20 seconds and four police cars were there.

VIDEO: The scene of the crash

"They were chasing the car that smashed into everyone and the driver ran. Police chased him and got him to the floor and cabled tied his hands. It's miracle no one has been killed."

The assistant head teacher of Woodlands Primary said the crash happened at about 3.10pm, before pupils had finished for the day.

Sophie Hill said: "Thankfully it did not involve any of our children or parents. Parents were informed how to pick up their children and everything was under control."