A man from London is in police custody this morning following a helicopter search over Maidstone last night.

The 18-year-old, from Willesden, in the north west of the city, was arrested on suspicion of drug offences just after 1am.

Police were initially called to Royal Engineers’ Road, Sandling, at 11.10pm after reports that a man suspected of drug offences was in the area.

The helicopter was launched to help with the search after it was reported the man had run away from a car parked in James Whatman Way, Maidstone.

Witnesses in the Sandling and Barming areas reported hearing the aircraft circling overhead as the crew looked for the man.

He was arrested nearby at 1.10am.

Police confirmed he was still in custody this morning.