A man remains on the run after crashing into several garden walls while being chased by police.

The driver, wanted in connection with a burglary in Rainham, was being followed by officers along Watling Street when he lost control early last Friday morning.

The car caused damage outside several homes opposite the fire station, leaving a trail of bricks and debris behind.

Residents described hearing a loud bang like an explosion. A woman who did not want to be named, said her whole flat shook.

She posted online: "So got the fright of my life at 4.30am this morning. Could hear a police chase outside my window, then a massive bang. My whole flat shook.

"Went outside, one of the cars the police was chasing has crashed through my flat and three of my neighbours houses and the chap is now on the run. I don’t know how he got out alive."

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said: "Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a crash involving one vehicle in Watling Street, at the junction for Star Mill Lane.

"One fire engine attended, however no action was required.

"Crews helped to make the scene safe and left duty of care with Kent Police."

A police spokesman said: "Following the collision the driver decamped from the vehicle. Enquiries to locate him are ongoing."

The suspect was being followed after a break-in at a property in Rainham at about 3.40am.

Officers followed another vehicle and it was eventually brought to a stop on the A249 near Sittingbourne, and three men were arrested.

Detectives investigated the burglary and linked it to two others reported in the near vicinity at around the same time.

Gillingham residents Max Cuthbert, 18, of Maidstone Road; Liam French, 20, of Gillingham Road; and John Gould, 19, of Hazlemere Drive, have all since been charged with three counts of burglary and one count of aggravated vehicle taking.

French has also been charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, and driving without insurance.

Mr Gould, meanwhile, has been further charged with possession of cannabis and causing criminal damage to a custody cell.

All three were remanded in custody and appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. They have all been bailed to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on August 27.

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