THREE people have been arrested on suspicion of stealing a Mercedes car following a pursuit along the A299 Thanet Way early today.

The owner of the red Mercedes Compressor reported his car being stolen from outside his home in Lymington Road, Westgate-on-Sea, about 2.20am.

Police patrols spotted the Mercedes leaving Thanet about 3.30am and heading towards London. Officers pursued the car, but ended the chase due to safety concerns when the Mercedes drove the wrong way up the A299 towards London.

Officers continued to search the surrounding area and a short time later the car was seen off the dual carriageway. A further pursuit began, until the Mercedes again drove the wrong way along the A299.

Officers again ended the pursuit for safety reasons.

Police officers from Thanet, Canterbury and Swale joined with dog handlers, firearms officers and traffic patrols to cordon off the A299 and surrounding areas while stinger road spikes were set up as a tactical option to end the pursuit.

As a result the Mercedes ran over two sets of road spikes, forcing the car to come to a stop near the Whitstable turn off of the A299 at about 4.10am.

The occupants of the car then ran away but were tracked by police dogs and their handlers.

About 30 minutes later officers arrested three Essex males, aged 19, 18 and 16, on suspicion of stealing the Mercedes car. The 16-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of failing to stop for police and driving dangerously.

All three are currently at Canterbury police station assisting officers with their enquiries.