A police aeroplane was spotted circling above Kent amid a search for a vehicle.

Officers in a police patrol car spotted a 4x4 vehicle leave St Peter's Road in Margate and drive into a field.

A search was launched to track down the vehicle between Margate and Garlinge - with a National Police Air Service plane joining.

Residents in the area spotted the aircraft circling yesterday evening.

The vehicle was found abandoned and an investigation has been launched into possible links to fuel theft after empty cannisters were found in the vehicle's boot.

A police spokesman said: "At about 6.50pm yesterday, officers in a patrol car in Thanet saw a 4x4 vehicle leave St Peter's Road, Margate and drive into a field.

"A search for the vehicle, which was assisted by NPAS, was then carried out between Margate and Garlinge.

"The vehicle was later found, abandoned, in Garlinge and a further search was carried out for its occupants, who were not located.

"A number of empty cannisters were found in the vehicle’s boot and enquiries into possible links to fuel theft are ongoing."