A man has been arrested on suspicion of stealing gardening tools after a stop check on van in Yalding.

A Renault Master was seen acting suspiciously in Hampstead Lane, at around 1.20am today.

It was ordered to stop by a special constable and a when searched the officer found a lawn mower, five car batteries and gardening tools.

These were all seized and the driver, a 29-year-old man from Penshurst, was arrested on suspicion of going equipped for theft and for possessing a bladed article. He remains in police custody.

Kent currently has more than 300 special constables; unpaid volunteers who give up at least 16 hours of their own time every month supporting regular police officers.

The all have full police powers, wear a uniform and carry standard-issue police equipment. Anyone interested in becoming a Special Constable can visit www.kent.police.uk/specials.