POLICE mounted a major operation which resulted in a major local road being closed as they arrested five suspects.

The incident today (Thursday, 8 June) began when the alarm was raised following reports of two stolen vehicles being driven on East Mayne in Basildon around noon.

The drivers ignored police requests to stop, and a pursuit developed, running onto the A127 westbound.

Eventually the cars were brought to a halt and the the road was closed while five people were arrested.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We responded to reports of two stolen vehicles being driven on the A132 East Mayne leaving Basildon shortly after midday.

"Checks revealed the vehicles had been stolen in two separate burglaries earlier that morning. The vehicles initially failed to stop for our officers, but were stopped and a road closure was put in place on the A127 following a short pursuit.

"Five people have been arrested and are in custody for questioning."