ESSEX Police force has released dashcam footage of officers pursuing a white van through the streets of Southend after the driver failed to stop to highlight the skills of its road policing team.

The alarming video shows the driver speeding through red lights in an attempt to escape police - which results in a 'near miss' with a member of the public.

The driver eventually pulls into a dead-end car park and attempts to flee on foot - but officers catch up to him and corner him.

As two officers restrain the man to handcuff him one can be heard saying: "You're under arrest, mate."

The driver was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop, and driving without insurance.

Adam Pipe, head of roads policing in Essex, said: "In a year which has seen a tragic number of road deaths in our county, it is deeply concerning to see this kind of driver behaviour on our streets; with no regard for public safety.

"Thankfully, the officer's skill meant there was ultimately nowhere for the driver to go and the arrest was safely made."

A man in his 40s has been released under investigation while the force continues its enquiries.