A POLICE helicopter kept Dartford residents awake on Sunday night (Dec 8) as it tracked suspected fuel thieves.

The incident occurred at around 11.30pm in Joyce Green Lane when police discovered a van.

Two men were seen running off as officers approached and an area search conducted by the police helicopter failed to find them.

Twitter user Nicola Daniels vented her frustration on Twitter.

She said: "Noisy helicopter over #Dartford tonite.... Who they looking for n hurry up about it! #tired #mustberunninouttafuel."

Fellow tweeter Lewis Brend said: "Trying to sleep but can't as there is a helicopter flying really low about me. Welcome to Dartford..."

A Kent Police spokesman said: "At about 11.30pm yesterday, a patrol came across a transit van parked on Joyce Green Lane, Dartford.

"As they approached, two men were seen running off into woodland.

"An area search was conducted, assisted by the police helicopter, but the offenders were not located.

"Searches carried out on the van found drums of fuel, including one believed to have come from a nearby HGV. Enquiries are ongoing."