A dramatic police chase ended with officers using "tactical contact" to stop the fleeing vehicle.

Officers were spotted shutting off the road near Key Street roundabout on the A2 in Sittingbourne just after 2pm.

A police spokesman said: "At around 1.55pm on Tuesday, November 23 a van travelling on the A249 near Stockbury is reported to have failed to stop when it was requested to do so by Kent Police officers.

"The request was made due to suspicions the vehicle was travelling on false plates.

"Approximately 10 minutes later, the suspect vehicle made contact with a car belonging to a member of the public near the Key Street roundabout.

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

"Two men were subsequently arrested in connection with the incident and taken to hospital for precautionary checks. They have since been taken to a police station and remain in custody.

"One Kent Police car caught alight after sustaining damage during the pursuit and the fire was safely extinguished by Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

"No serious injuries have been reported."

The spokesman said that police remained at the scene, conducting inquiries.

An eye witness had reported seeing "lots of police" at the junction of the A2 and A249 slip road.

They added: "Traffic from Sittingbourne towards Rainham along the A2 is being diverted onto the A249 and M2. (The) Slip road from northbound A249 up towards the A2 is closed."

Kent County Council Highways added: "Delays at Key Street roundabout due to a Kent Police led incident.

"Expect delays in the surrounding areas and use alternative routes where possible."