A van with £3,000 of lead in the back collided with a police car yesterday during a late-night pursuit.

The Ford Escort van was spotted being driven erratically near Calcott Hill, on the A291 between Canterbury and Herne Bay.

But it failed to stop when flashed by police, sparking a five-minute chase during which it collided with a patrol car.

The pursuit finally ended in May Street, near Reculver, at about 11pm, but the driver and passenger fled on foot.

Officers gave chase and a 33-year-old man from Herne Bay was arrested nearby.

He was taken into custody on suspicion of dangerous driving, stealing the van, failing to stop, criminal damage and assaulting a police officer.

He has been released pending further enquiries.

The van and lead was seized by police.