A MAN was arrested after a dramatic police chase, involving armed officers through residential streets in Basildon.

Witnesses reported seeing a large police presence in Clayhill Road, Vange Hill Drive and Redgrave Road on Tuesday evening.

Residents also reported seeing armed officers in the streets.

Police later arrested a biker, aged 35, following the chase, on suspicion of failing to provide a breath test.

Witnesses said it was all very shocking.

Lisa Tilley, 33, of Redgrave Road, said: “I was just watching television and suddenly saw and heard all these sirens.

“I looked out and saw about five police cars and armed officers right outside my house.

“I’ve never seen anything it in my life.

“I think it’s always so shocking see such a big police presence, but it’s obviously especially worrying when this sort of thing happens outside your home. I’ve lived here for about 20 years and never known any issues or incidents like this happening.

“It makes me feel a bit worried as I have a young family.”

The mother said she’s never seen armed police before and was shocked by the presence outside her home.

She said she didn’t go out of her house but did see some other residents in the street trying to see what was happening.

Barry Phillips, 50, of Clayhill Road, said: “I saw all the police speeding down the road.

“My first thought was that it must have been a very serious incident.

“I’ve never seen so many police in one road or police rushing so quickly.

“I think it’s good the police have taken swift action and are dealing with this incident.

“People do of course feel worried about police incidents such as this but we shouldn’t feel too concerned.

“I think the police take a bit of a beating at times with so much criticism but I think this shows the officers are working hard to keep our communities safe.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “A man has been arrested following an incident in Basildon.

“A motorbike failed-to-stop for police in Redgrave Road at around 9.30pm on Tuesday, August 20.

“The rider decamped a short time after and made off.

“A 35-year-old man from London was later arrested on suspicion of failing to provide a breath test and is currently in custody.”