A TEENAGER has been remanded in custody after being arrested as part on an investigation into 80 north Essex burglaries.

Police made eight arrests after stopping two cars on Thursday.

A number of weapons, including knives, were recovered from the vehicles.

Leo Munns, 18, of Crittall Road, Witham has been charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and without insurance.

Seven other people were also arrested.

An 18-year-old man from Chelmsford, a 17-year-old boy from Chelmsford and a 19-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of burglary. The 17-year-old has additionally been arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis.

A 17-year-old boy from Dagenham has been arrested on suspicion of going equipped and possession of an offensive weapon. A 19 year-old man from Canning Town has been arrested on suspicion of the same offences and on suspicion of burglary.

A 23-year-old man from Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire has been arrested on suspicion of going equipped, possession of a knife and burglary.

The last of the group, a 16-year-old boy from Dagenham, has been arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, going equipped, and possession of cannabis.

They have all been bailed.

The burglaries are said to have occurred over the last two months.