A HIGH speed police chase through the streets of Southend ended when a stolen car was abandoned.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs after police cars and a van were called to Whitegate Road, near to the Trade Counter.

The man was also arrested and questioned on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop.

He has been released under investigation while officers continue to investigate the circumstances.

A spokesman from Essex Police said: “We have arrested a man following a pursuit in Southend at around 12.30pm on Wednesday.

“We attempted to stop a vehicle in East Street, Southend.

“It was driven off at speed before it was abandoned.

“We arrested a 27-year-old man from Belvedere, Kent, in Clifftown Road, Southend, at around 12.45pm.”

It is understood attention was drawn to the car after officers in the area noticed a man acting suspiciously.

The pursuit is alleged to have begun when officers approached the car. 

Witnesses reported the car then drove off. 

It is understood a man got out of the vehicle and abandoned it outside the store before fleeing on foot.

 

A number of marked and unmarked police cars were on the scene quickly, blocking both ends of an alleyway and part of the road in order to try and foil the escape.