A man has been arrested after eight metres of cable was reportedly stolen, leaving hundreds of homes without power.

Police were called just before 5pm on Tuesday (January 7) after a report of cable theft from a UK Power Networks generator in Shacklands Road in Shoreham, near Sevenoaks.

Officers attended and followed a suspected stolen van until it came to a stop at farmland near Spade Lane in Hartlip, near Sittingbourne.

Three occupants got out of the vehicle and officers pursued them on foot.

One man was detained and an initial search led to the confiscation of a knife.

A later search led to the seizure of cannabis cultivation equipment, two weapons, and vehicle parts.

The 39-year-old was arrested in connection with theft, weapons, drugs and driving offences.

He has since been bailed pending further inquiries and an investigation is ongoing to identify and locate two further suspects.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference number 46/3720/25.

Local residents with CCTV, and drivers with dashcam who may have been in the area at the time, are also asked to check for relevant footage.