Police scrambled a helicopter to search for a man suspected of shoplifting.

At just after 7pm yesterday evening, a National Police Air Service chopper was spotted hovering over Sittingbourne and Sheppey.

Officers also blocked off a section of the A249 right before the Sheppey Crossing on the Island in the hopes it could intercept a suspect car.

By 8.30pm, the vehicle had not been located and the chopper was stood down.

A police spokesman said today: “A helicopter was used to help search areas of Sittingbourne and Sheppey for a vehicle connected with a number of reported thefts.

“We have seized a vehicle and arrested a 47-year-old man, from Sheerness, on suspicion of shoplifting. He remains in custody.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”