A dog-handler was bitten and his alsatian kicked by a teenager they were trying to arrest following a chase in Herne Bay, police said.

The incident began early on Monday when officers approached a youth in Lower Herne Road who was seen loitering near a white van carrying a container.

The suspect jumped into the van and drove off towards Bullockstone Road pursued by the police car. Other officers then deployed a 'stinger' across the road which punctured all four of the van's tyres.

But the vehicle continued to be driven on its wheel rims until it was brought to a halt by another police car which blocked Owls Hatch Road.

A police spokesman said the suspect jumped out of the van and ran off but was caught by a police dog and its handler during which he is alleged to have assaulted the policeman and his dog.

Two officers in a vehicle which was rammed by the van also received slight whiplash injuries. He was arrested on suspicion of driving dangerously, failing to stop, assaulting an officer and injuring a police dog.