Two Chatham men who were arrested after an early morning high speed pursuit through two counties have been bailed pending further enquiries.

The chase, which involved police in Surrey and Kent happened early last Thursday morning.

Officers were alerted at about 1.10am to two suspected stolen cars in convoy which activated an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) machine close to the Clacket Lane Services, on the M25.

A police helicopter tailed the path of the two vehicles - a black BMW and a silver Ford Focus.

The 30 mile chase, which started in Surrey, continued along the M26, the M20 in Kent, before reaching the Medway Towns.

Patrol vehicles and the helicopter followed the cars to Silverweed Road, in Weedswood, where the two drivers finally gave up their escape bid at around 1.45am.

The BMW was reported stolen on July 1 from Addlestone, Surrey and the Ford Focus on July 2 Chorleywood, Hertfordshire.

A spokesman for Surrey Police said: “Two Chatham men, aged 42, and 26, were arrested in connection with a series of burglaries and have now been bailed pending further enquiries.