A trail of wet footprints led to the arrest of people who allegedly stole a Land Rover Defender and then rammed a police vehicle during a pursuit.

The vehicle was reportedly stolen from Hook in Hampshire and failed to stop for officers in Surrey Road shortly before 10pm last night.

It reversed into a police car and drove away at speed before colliding with a parked car in Rutland Way and coming to a halt.

The occupants left the scene on foot and officers followed wet footprints to a home in Oxford Road where they arrested a 26-year-old man from Dartford on suspicion of theft, dangerous driving, handling stolen goods and possession of cannabis.

Officers also arrested a 47-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman from Dunstable, and a 22-year-old man and 25-year-old woman from Maidstone on suspicion of handling stolen property.

The police helicopter assisted officers with the search.

All five remain in police custody while the investigation is ongoing.