The RAF Search and Rescue helicopter joined the police and Medway Coastguard in the hunt for a group of suspected burglars who fled on to marshes this afternoon.

The yellow Sea King from RAF Wattisham in Suffolk was called out to help search for the gang after they bolted on to land near the River Medway at Cuxton.

Police were called just before midday to reports of a suspected burglary in Rochester Road.

They were later joined in the search by coastguard teams and the RAF chopper.

Richard Rodgers, deputy station officer for the Medway Coastguard, said: "The police were responding to burglaries in the area and were chasing people who ran on to the marshes in the river.

"The police arrested four men. One of them swam out to some boats but they managed to get him."

A police spokesman added: "Officers conducted an area search for the offenders, assisted by the RAF and helicopter.

"Four people have been detained and are on their way to custody."