A man has been arrested after a BMW sped off from police at speeds of up to 116mph and nearly hit a pedestrian.

Officers were on patrol in Broadwater Down, Tunbridge Wells, at around 4pm yesterday when they tried to pull over the black car.

It failed to stop and joined the A26.

A police spokesman said it was reported that the BMW did not stop at red lights, drove on the wrong side of the road and narrowly avoided hitting a member of the public.

They added: "The driver is reported to have forced two schoolgirls crossing the road to run to safety and squeezed through narrow gaps before heading onto the A21 and reaching a speed of 116mph.

"The police helicopter was called to assist the officers and the BMW eventually came to a stop in Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, and the driver was arrested.

"A hammer was located following a search of his car."

A man, who is 26 and from the Tonbridge area, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, possession of an offensive weapon and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

He is currently in custody.