A police helicopter was launched in the early hours of this morning following a car crash in Tenterden.

The drama unfolded at 1am after police received reports of a crash involving one vehicle in Appledore Road.

After attending the scene, officers found the vehicle empty, so an aerial hunt began for the occupants.

Residents took to social media to warn others of the late-night pursuit.

Charlie Knox @CGLKnox tweeted: "Car accident down Appledore Road, perp on the loose, stay vigilant" while @sjbeecham tweeted: "Helicopter hunting over Shrubcote, Tenterden, at rooftop level! What the hell?!"

Two men, a 17-year-old and a 20-year-old, both from Cranbrook, were arrested a short while after the incident on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking and detained in custody. The 17-year-old has since been released on bail until September 18, while the 20-year-old was released without charge.