A police dog helped tracked down a suspect in a Dartford woodland after a high-speed chase with officers.

On Sunday, July 31 at around 4.30pm, a car was speeding along the A2 towards London and reaching speeds of up to 120mph.

Police were pursuing the vehicle which was believed to have been stolen.

The driver stopped in Portman Close before abandoning the car and fleeing the scene.

PC Scott James and police dog Fallon searched the surrounding area with the help of a police helicopter.

The suspect had crossed six active lanes of the A2 into a Dartford woodland.

Police dog Fallon led her handler to a holly tree near Rochester Way and discovered where the man was hiding.

Officers also found what was believed to be an imitation firearm discarded in Trosley Avenue in Gravesend.

The 19-year-old man from Gravesend was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a firearm.

He has been released on bail while investigations are ongoing.

Police are asking for any witnesses, including those with CCTV or dashcam footage to contact them quoting crime reference number 46/148055/22.

A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “A police dog helped track down an occupant of a car who attempted to hide in woodland in Dartford.

“On Sunday 31 July 2022 at about 4.30pm officers were pursuing a vehicle that was being driven dangerously along the A2 towards London, reaching speeds of up to 120mph.

“The vehicle then came to a stop in Portman Close where the driver fled the scene.

“PC Scott James was deployed along with Police Dog Fallon and, following an area search and with the help of the National Police Air Service helicopter, established the suspect had crossed the six live lanes of the A2 into Dartford.

“PD Fallon led her handler to a holly tree near Rochester Way where they located a suspect.

“A suspected imitation firearm was also located having been discarded in Trosley Avenue, Gravesend.

“The 19-year-old man from Gravesend was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a firearm.

“He has been released on bail while enquiries continue.

“Witnesses to the pursuit including anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to call the appeal line on 01474 366149 quoting reference 46/148055/22.”

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