Police have quashed rumours that a child snatch was at the heart of a police helicopter chase through Gillingham this afternoon.

Witnesses reported seeing police scouring streets and alleyways around Rosebery Road and Richmond Road, while the police helicopter hovered above.

Police vehicles including a van were also seen on East Street.

A Kent Police spokesman said the chase had begun when a car failed to stop for officers, who wanted to speak to the driver in connection with an ongoing investigation.

He said Facebook rumours, claiming it was the result of a child snatch, are untrue.