A man was arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft after a chase involving a police helicopter.

The pursuit took place in Sittingbourne, after a suspicious van was reported to officers at around midnight.

It failed to stop when requested to do so and a chase was authorised, assisted by the chopper.

One eyewitness reported seeing a van tearing into Beechwood Avenue, from The Stumble Inn roundabout, followed by three squad cars with sirens on.

They later saw the same van fly past again, and police laying out stingers, spike strips used to puncture tyres, on the junction of Beechwood Avenue and Crown Road. Other neighbours said they heard loud bangs.

The vehicle came to a stop in Denbigh Close at 12.40am and the passengers are reported to have left on foot.

Officers at the scene arrested an 18-year-old man, believed to be the driver, on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and he remains in police custody.

Two other people who were passengers were also arrested in connection with the incident.

Enquiries are ongoing.