Rayleigh/Southend: Response officers chase down and arrest car theft suspects

Two men were arrested and a stolen vehicle recovered after they were chased down by response officers from Rayleigh Local Policing Team (LPT).

A vehicle failed to stop in Rayleigh Road shortly after 12.20am after on Tuesday 21 April and a pursuit followed into Southend.

The car's driver and passenger jumped out on Royal Artillery Way and two men were arrested following a foot chase.

One of the arrests was captured on PC Kyran Coulson's body-worn video.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop when directed, dangerous driving, criminal damage, theft of a motor vehicle, and acquiring criminal property.

A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, failing to stop when directed, going equipped, criminal damage, and acquiring criminal property.

“This was a fantastic piece of work by the team,” said Inspector Tom Neilson of Canvey and Rayleigh LPT. “Despite attempts by the occupants of the car to evade arrest - including by ramming a police vehicle - the officers hunted them down and brought them into custody.

"The dangerous manner of driving presented significant risk to the officers and other road users, but their calm decision‑making and professionalism ensured the pursuit came to a safe and successful conclusion."

Both men have since been released on bail on 9 July.

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