TWO people have been arrested after officers from Essex Police's Operational Support Group recovered a vehicle which was stolen in burglary in Leigh.

Officers were patrolling in Pitsea shortly before 3am this morning (Thursday, 8 December) when they attempted to stop a Renault Trafic van. 

However, the vehicle failed to stop when asked to and officers were authorised to follow it. 

A number of tactical options were used throughout the pursuit and the vehicle came to a stop in Iron Well Lane, Rochford. 

A man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including theft of a motor vehicle, failing to stop, dangerous driving. The man was also arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs. 

Both remain in custody for questioning this morning. 

As a result of further enquiries, officers were able to ascertain the vehicle had been stolen in a burglary in Leigh in October and are now making contact with the owner of the vehicle. 

Adam Pipe, of the Operational Policing Command said: "This could very easily have turned into a much more dangerous incident had our officers not acted decisively, with skill, precision and professionalism.

"Thankfully, no injuries were sustained in the incident and the vehicle was brought to a safe stop and two people were arrested.

"Each day and night, we have officers out across Essex tasked with identifying people who we believe causing harm in our communities."