Police have arrested three men for allegedly stealing tools from a van after a short-lived chase in Sidcup.

Police were called to Ramillies Road at about 1.25 am on Wednesday (October 25) by someone who reportedly saw a group of men taking items from a van and putting them into a car.

According to a police spokesman, the men allegedly made off from police in the vehicle before being stopped in Penhill Road.

The three men were detained and tools and a ladder were found in their car.

All three men were arrested on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle, and the property has been returned to its owners.

The suspects' car has also been seized on suspicion of driving offences.