Police were called to a houseboat at Kingston in the early hours of this morning after two men tried to steal a canoe.

The Metropolitan Police helicopter helped search the area near Palmers Wharf, near Charter Quay, after the owner of a house boat raised the alarm.

A Kingston police spokeswoman said: "We can confirm police were called to a house boat situated by the side of the river Thames on Palmers Wharf, Kingston earlier today at approximately 3.45am following reports of an attempted theft.

"Officers believe two men have attempted to steal a canoe which alerted the victim."

No arrests have been made, she added.

The police helicopter crew tweeted: