A van driver in Kent has been praised after giving a lift to an armed police officer who was chasing down a suspect.

Bodycam footage from the officer captured the moment the motorist pulled over to help the police on 16 June and called out: “Get in the back. Get in the back.”

The officer got in the van and said, with the sliding door still open: “Go, go, go! Cheers buddy. Follow that police officer.” As the driver sped off into the direction of the suspect the officer continued: “Just go past him. Keep going past him.”

The motorist driving at fast speeds is cautioned by the officer: “Don’t crash,” to which the motorist replies: “I won’t crash, sir.”

According to Kent police, the officer, carrying a large weapon, was pursuing a “violent offender” who had fled a property in Margate after an alleged serious assault and ran into a park to evade capture. It is believed the suspect was “close to losing patrols” until the “responsible and public-spirited driver” decided to step in to help.

The footage shows the driver pulling up at the side of the road after overtaking the suspect, where the officer jumps out and says: “Don’t move. Put your hands on your head.” The suspect was then arrested.

A later clip shows the officer shaking the driver’s hand and thanking him for his help, to which the motorist replied: “I am just glad I could be of service. That was quite exhilarating.”

Armed policing supt Will Lay said: “A violent offender who was being relentlessly pursued, and was seeking to evade capture, came close to losing patrols in a nearby park. However, our armed officers remained committed.

“Thanks to the quick and selfless actions of this responsible and public-spirited driver, officers were able to apprehend the dangerous individual,” he added.

“The successful arrest may not have been possible without the member of the public and his vehicle. He should feel proud of his contribution to keeping his community safe and we are truly grateful for his assistance.”