Police used a stinger to stop a van on a busy motorway after a dramatic high-speed chase lasting more than half an hour.

Several emergency vehicles were seen hurtling along the Thanet Way and then down the M2 before the white Ford transit was brought to an abrupt halt between junction 5 for Sittingbourne and 4 for Gillingham.

Police say they were first alerted to reports of a suspicious van in Thirlmere Avenue, Ramsgate just after 8.30am.

Officers carried out a large-scale search and spotted the van at about 9.40am, which failed to stop.

A chase then ensued, from the end of the Thanet Way at the Brenley Corner onto the London-bound M2.

The pursuit came to an end at about 10.15am with the help of a stinger device, which is a strip of spikes used to stop vehicles by puncturing the tyres.

A police spokesman said: "The van made its way to the M2 and was tactically stopped by officers on the London-bound carriageway between junctions 5 and 4.

"Two men have been arrested on suspicion of theft offences and are currently in custody."

One lane was closed in the aftermath, causing lengthy delays for drivers.