SUSPECTED burglars sparked a police chase across Benfleet and Rayleigh when one made off in a taxi.

Three men made chase from police after spotting officers at the junction of London Road and Kent Hill Road North, Benfleet, at about 2pm.

Police spotted a suspicious looking car in the town and followed them to a block of flats.

Two men reportedly tried to jump into a car to race through the streets, while a third jumped in a taxi and headed towards Rayleigh.

The Essex Police helicopter was seen circling above while four police cars were spotted on the roads.

Three men have been arrested and will be questioned by police.