POLICE removed a haul of suspected stolen vehicles and arrested one man after they raided two homes and a garage.

Officers from Pitsea and detectives from Chelmsford carried out the raids as part of a probe into the theft of vehicles and the sale of scrap metal.

Around 15 officers raided Noble Autos, in Noble Square, on the Burnt Mills industrial estate, Basildon, yesterday morning.

As employees looked on, officers searched the garage and arrested one man for a public order offence after he allegedly became abusive to officers.

He was taken to Basildon police station where he remains in custody.

Meanwhile, officers from Chelmsford raided a plot on the Meadow Lane travellers site in Wickford.

They searched the legal site, but no arrests were made.

However, the officers seized vehicles which they believed to be stolen.

Several, including a white highway maintenance jeep, a silver car and a red Honda Foreman quad bike, were towed away for further investigation.

Heather Watts, of Essex Police, said: “I can confirm officers executed three warrants and arrested one man on suspicion of public order and recovered several suspected stolen vehicles.”