A police dog sniffed out two suspected thieves on the same morning including one alleged to have been driving a stolen Maserati.

Eli tracked down the first man, near Canterbury, at around 1.20am on Monday and found another man a matter of hours later who had reportedly abandoned the luxury car in Leeds, near Maidstone.

The German Shepherd used his nose to track down the first man near Harbledown after he apparently ran away from a car parked near lorries in a lay-by off the A2.

Officers found a trailer containing diesel in a vehicle.

A 32-year-old was arrested on suspicion of theft. He has since been released on bail, pending further inquiries.

Eli was in action again when, at around 5.25am, a man was located in dense bushes.

The suspect is alleged to have driven a stolen Maserati at high speed before officers were able to stop it with the use of a stinger.

Police say the value of the car is not known.

The 34-year-old was arrested on suspicion of theft, dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving while under the influence of drugs.

A passenger in the vehicle, also 34, was arrested by officers on suspicion of theft.

As the vehicle was allegedly stolen from the Thames Valley area, both men were transferred into the custody of Thames Valley Police.

Ch Insp Craig West said: “PD Eli and others like him are an invaluable asset to Kent Police and really are a part of the team.

“Their incredible sense of smell means that, no matter how dark or dense a hiding place is, the person there will most likely be sniffed out in the end.”