A group of men were seen fleeing a crime scene in Ashford after their van had broken down.

Police were called to Hilton Road at 3.20am yesterday after a lorry driver complained of damage to his vehicle.

A second lorry parked nearby had also been damaged and pallets containing machinery parts had been stolen.

It is believed that five men in their 30s, all wearing black, then tried to push a white Ford Transit van away from the scene, which appeared to have broken down.

Officers seized the vehicle after it was located nearby in Hanover Close.

Detective Inspector Cara Ferguson said: "Whilst we investigate we urge lorry drivers to be vigilant for this type of offending and report any suspicious behaviour to Kent Police straight away.

"Anyone with dashcam footage or information regarding these reports should get in touch with us as soon as possible."

Witnesses are asked to contact police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/9421/19.