Two men have been arrested following a dramatic police chase involving a helicopter and dogs.

Officers spotted a car and van being driven suspiciously in Brielle Way, Sheerness, in the early hours of this morning.

The drivers are then said to have made off.

The van, which is believed to have been stolen, was found empty at a service station in Queenborough Road and has been seized.

Officers from Kent Police’s Roads Policing Unit then found an Audi A3, which is understood to have been the other vehicle, travelling near Cowstead Corner.

Police say it failed to stop when requested and a pursuit was authorised.

After a chase across the Isle of Sheppey the Audi came to a stop at the end of the narrow and isolated Warden Road and three people ran off towards the cliffs.

The area was searched with support from Kent Police’s dog unit and the National Police Air Service helicopter.

Two men were found nearby and were arrested.

A police spokesman said this morning: "At 2.17am officers on patrol became suspicious of a car and a van in Breille Way, Sheerness. The vehicles are then reported to have made off from them.

"The van, which is believed to have been stolen, was found empty at a service station in Queenborough Road and this vehicle has been seized.

"Our Roads Policing Unit then located an Audi A3, which is suspected to have been involved, travelling near Cowstead Corner.

"This vehicle is reported to failed to stop when requested to do so and a pursuit was authorised.

"The vehicle came to a stop in Warden Road and three occupants decamped.

"An area search took place, with the support of our Dog Unit and the National Police Air Service.

"Two men were located at a nearby beach and have been arrested in connection with the incident."

Enquiries remain ongoing.