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Suspected absconded prisoner charged after police chase ends using 'tactical contact' at Key Street roundabout, Sittingbourne

12:15, 26 November 2021

updated: 15:31, 26 November 2021

A man suspected of having fled a prison has been charged following a dramatic police chase that ended with officers using "tactical contact" to stop the fleeing vehicle.

The driver of a van travelling on the A249, near the Stockbury Roundabout, is reported to have failed to stop when he was requested to do so at about 1.55pm on Tuesday.

Watch: Police shut off the road near Key Street roundabout on the A2 in Sittingbourne

Earlier this week, police said the request was made due to suspicions the vehicle was travelling on false plates.

About 10 minutes later, the force added, the suspect vehicle hit a car belonging to a member of the public near the Key Street roundabout on the A2 in Sittingbourne.

"To bring the pursuit to an end, and protect other road users, tactical contact was used to bring it to a stop," a spokesman said.

"One Kent Police car caught fire after it was damaged during the pursuit and the fire was safely extinguished by Kent Fire and Rescue Service. No serious injuries have been reported."

Today, police have confirmed that subsequent inquiries have led to William Adams being charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

Police shut off the road near Key Street roundabout on the A2 in Sittingbourne just after 2pm on Tuesday
Police shut off the road near Key Street roundabout on the A2 in Sittingbourne just after 2pm on Tuesday

He was additionally charged with being unlawfully at large – in connection with an allegation that he absconded from a prison in Surrey on July 14.

The 22-year-old, of no fixed address, was remanded in custody to attend Medway Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

At the hearing, he was remanded in custody to next attend Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday, December 23.

A 20-year-old man, from Sittingbourne, was also arrested for his alleged involvement in the pursuit.

He has been released on bail, pending further enquiries, until Wednesday, December 22.

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