A routine drive through Kent turned into an unexpected police pursuit for one van driver after he pulled over to help armed officers chasing a suspect on foot.

The unusual moment, which was captured on police body worn cameras and later shared by Kent Police, took place in Thanet on Tuesday 16 June as firearms officers pursued a man who had fled from them.

As officers sprinted after the suspect, one armed officer found himself falling behind. Spotting the situation unfold, a passing van driver immediately stopped and offered his assistance, telling the officer to climb into the back of his vehicle so the chase could continue.

Footage released by Kent Police shows the officer jumping into the van before the driver quickly sets off, helping transport him further along the route in an effort to catch up with the fleeing suspect.

The brief but memorable intervention allowed the officer to continue the pursuit far more quickly than if he had remained on foot, with the suspect eventually being detained by police.

After the chase had come to an end, the officer thanked the motorist for stepping in to help.

Clearly still buzzing from what had just happened, the driver smiled and replied:

"That was quite exhilarating!"

Kent Police later praised the driver's quick thinking after sharing the bodycam footage on social media.

The force wrote:

"Praise has been heaped on a van driver who gave an impromptu lift to armed officers chasing a suspect in Thanet."

Police confirmed the incident happened while officers were pursuing a suspect through the area, with the passing motorist's spontaneous decision to stop proving to be an unexpected helping hand.

Following the arrest, Kent Police confirmed that a man was charged in connection with the incident. The suspect was later identified as 32-year-old Daniel Mears, of Ramsgate, who appeared before court charged with possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and failing to stop for police.

Officers said the pursuit began after they attempted to stop a vehicle, which instead drove away before the driver abandoned it and attempted to escape on foot through nearby streets. Armed officers gave chase before the passing van driver unexpectedly joined the effort by offering one of them a lift.

The bodycam footage has since attracted widespread attention online, with many viewers praising both the officer's determination and the civilian's willingness to get involved when he realised police needed assistance.

One person commented:

“I know he has been waiting all his life to be involved in a high speed chase LOOL! Bet he feels like he’s in an action movie!”

Another wrote:

“His mates won’t hear the last of this! Well done to him!!”

While the driver probably never expected his day to take such a dramatic turn, his quick decision to stop and help has earned him plenty of admiration. It may have only lasted a few moments, but it is certainly a journey he is unlikely to forget anytime soon.