A man has been charged with dangerous driving after a police chase through residential streets in Chatham.

Officers on patrol allegedly spotted a car being driven erratically in Dale Street, last Wednesday shortly before 3.30pm.

The Volkswagen Golf being which is believed to have had several people inside, was then followed by the patrol car along Rochester Street and was pursued to Holcombe Road.

It was here it was said the driver and his passengers abandoned the vehicle and made off.

It is understood the Golf hit a lorry in Holcombe Road before it came to a stop.

Officers remained in the area for some time searching for the driver.

One witness who saw the chase, but didn’t want to be named, said: “The police car has it lights and sirens on and was following it up the road.”

A police spokesman said on Friday a man has been charged with dangerous driving as well as several other offences.

Darren James, 30, of Lodge Hill Lane, Chattenden, near Hoo, was arrested in Warner Street.

The spokesman added: “He has since been charged with failing to stop following a collision, driving without insurance, without a licence and dangerous driving.”

James was due to appear before magistrates in Medway on Friday.

Police also arrested a 31-year-old man from Rochester, in Holcombe Road but he was later released without charge.

And a 24-year-old man from Rochester was arrested later that day in Jenkins Dale but has also since been released without charge.