TWO men were arrested by armed police following a chase through Hadleigh and Benfleet.

Officers arrested the men after pursuing a Ford Puma using the force helicopter, dog units and an armed response team.

The chase started in Hadleigh on Monday afternoon with the car later being found in Chestnut Grove, Benfleet.

One of the men was found hiding under a shed in Romsey Road at 2.45pm and the other was found in London Road, Bowers Gifford, at 3.05pm.

A 20-year-old man from Canvey was arrested on suspicion of a robbery in Canvey on April 26, dangerous driving and failing to stop when directed.

A 20-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply.

Residents reported seeing a huge policing presence across Benfleet.

A resident, in London Road, who did not wish to be named, said: "The police helipcopter was hovering over for about an hour and then there must have been three police cars with their blue lights on.

"We often get the police helicopter over here but it doeesn't normally hover over for this long."

The police helicopter was spotted over Sadlers Farm and around Homefields Avenue and Romsey Road.

Others reported seeing the car chase along the High Road involving the silver Ford Puma.

One eyewitness, who didn’t want to be named, said the runaway driver drove onto the pavement - forcing people to jump out of the way.

He said: “They had been chased up High Road and mounted pavement outside shops next to South Benfleet Primary School to pass stopped traffic then back onto the road and up Kents Hill Road.

“They were going very fast, 50 plus mph, my friend also said he pulled a pensioner back out their way further down High Road on the zebra crossing just before they passed me.”

Police said they launched the pursuit after receiving information about those in the car and thanked the public for assisting them during the search.

Witnesses or anyone with information about the incident can call Southend CID on 101.

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

  • Are you in Benfleet? Have you seen the police pursuing anyone? Call the Echo newsroom on 01268 469406.