Some clues are more difficult to crack than others - but this week a trail of wet footprints led officers straight to a group of suspects.

On Monday morning a Land Rover Defender, reported to have been stolen from Hook in Hampshire, failed to stop for Kent Police officers as it traveled down Surrey Road in Maidstone.

The vehicle reportedly reversed into the police car and drove away at speed before crashing into a parked car in Rutland Way.

The passengers and drivers fled the scene on foot.

But officers simply followed their footprints to an address 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.

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

The police helicopter helped officers with the search.

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