A POLICE dog proved more than capable of stopping two car thieves in their tracks as they tried to flee a stolen vehicle.

Essex police dog Carter was called into action after officers spotted the stolen car in Thurrock yesterday (30 December). The driver initially failed to stop but then abandoned the car. They were intending to run off but decided not to when confronted by Carter.

The two suspected were then arrested for burglary. Police in Thurrock took to social media to say: "Great teamwork between officers from the operational support group, roads policing south unit and the dog section!"

Another vehicle was stopped yesterday in South Ockendon and found to be on cloned plates. The driver was trying to avoid having insurance and was only a provisional licence holder. The vehicle has been seized and the driver reported for offences.