A man has been arrested after a vehicle failed to stop for officers and, following a pursuit, crashed into a tree in Tilbury in the early hours of this morning (Saturday 4 January).

Police officers began following the grey BMW shortly after 1am on the A127 in Rayleigh. They suspected the vehicle had been stolen. 

When officers signalled for the vehicle to stop, it did not and officers continued to follow safely on the A13, while the vehicle reached speeds of up to 135mph. 

The vehicle continued towards Tilbury, through Chadwell St Mary, and then collided with a tree near to Hume Avenue after speeding through Tilbury. 

The driver then left the vehicle and attempted to flee. 

Officers from Essex Police operational policing command, who were in the area at the time and who had been alerted to the incident, were then quickly on the scene and arrested a 19-year-old man from north London. 

He is being questioned on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop, taking a vehicle without consent, driving whilst uninsured and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. 

Chief Inspector Julia Finch said: "At all times, officers followed this vehicle safely and there was never any wider threat to our community.

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"All officers involved in this incident are extremely well-trained to carry out their roles – and that training is especially important in extremely cold weather." 

The investigation will be progressed by officers in Southend.