A suspected car thief arrested after a Dartford police chase was bailed, only to be picked up at the station by a friend driving a 'stolen vehicle'.

Officers followed the driver coastbound from Dartford on the A2 and along Bluebell Hill on January 5, having flagged his vehicle as suspicious, before signalling for him to stop.

The suspect drove away at speed, making it to East Farleigh on the outskirts of Maidstone, until police brought him to a stop by deploying a stinger.

He then briefly fled on foot, before being caught and arrested on suspicion of the theft of a motor vehicle.

The 30-year-old, from Tonbridge, Kent, was also detained on suspicion of failing to stop, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

But after being charged and bailed officers were stunned to see him being picked up from the police station in another stolen car on Wednesday (Jan 5).

A Kent Police Tactical Operations Unit officer said in a tweet: "Great teamwork resulted in two arrests.

"Not only the driver involved in the pursuit but the driver who turned up to collect him in another stolen vehicle."

He has since been released on bail while a police probe continues and officers work to try and give the car back to its rightful owner.

His friend, a 33-year-old woman, arrived to collect him but was then arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and taking a vehicle without consent.

She was released without charge and has also been reported for driving without a licence or insurance.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "The driver of the car was caught by officers on foot and arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

"The 30-year-old man from Tonbridge was also detained on suspicion of failing to stop, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and without insurance.

"He has been released on bail and enquiries remain ongoing with the Metropolitan Police to ensure the vehicle is returned to its owner.

"A 33-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and taking a vehicle without consent.

"She was released without charge. She was reported for driving without insurance and no licence."

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