POLICE carried out a high-speed chase and arrested three people after two home were burgled within minutes of each other. 

Officers were called shortly after 12.40am today to report their home in Stock Road, Billericay, had been broken into and their Audi A5 stolen.

Five minutes later, another victim reported their house in nearby Perry Street had been burgled and their Volkswagen Golf stolen.

Officers searched on the ground and the force helicopter was scrambled to try and find the cars.

At one point, the Golf was seen driving the wrong way around the Brook Street roundabout on the A12.

It failed to stop for police but a stinger was used to bring it to a stop in Harold Park, Romford, at about 1.15am.

Two people ran off but were located by the force helicopter hiding underneath a van.

A 25-year-old woman from Romford was arrested on suspicion of burglary and a 23-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop when directed.

Officers stopped the Audi coming off the A12 slip road at Ingatestone at about 1.30am.

One person fled the vehicle but was detained.

A 20-year-old man from Romford was arrested on suspicion of burglary, assaulting a police officer, driving while disqualified and failing to provide a breath test.

All those arrested are currently in custody awaiting questioning.

Both stolen cars were recovered.

Witnesses who saw what happened at the time of the burglaries or saw the vehicles being driven are asked to call Basildon CID on 101.