A 'suspicious' car stopped by police in Dartford actually contained several handbags that were just stolen.

Police said the driver tried to avoid officers and had just stolen fuel.

A spokesperson for Kent Police said: "At approximately 5.10pm on Sunday March 26 officers on patrol in Dartford stopped a suspicious vehicle in Dartford Road, Dartford.

"Four handbags, which are believed to have been stolen, were recovered from the car and a 36-year-old man from Gravesend, and a 32-year-old man of no fixed address, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of theft."

The pair have been bailed, pending further enquiries, until late April.