POLICE have released more information about an incident in Tilbury this afternoon, reported earlier on Thurrock Nub news.

A statement from Essex Police says: "We were called to reports of a theft of a van at around 1.15pm today (7 September) in Thackeray Avenue, Tilbury.

"We believe the victim tried to stop the theft and was injured. His injuries are not thought to be serious. The suspect is then reported to have driven off.

"A van was found abandoned and on fire in an alleyway nearby.

"The fire is believed to have spread to neighbouring houses. Some houses were evacuated while the fire service dealt with the incident."