MEMBERS of the Port of Tilbury Police Force have been praised after apprehending a suspected burglar who was carrying a meat cleaver in his waistband.

The drama unfolded in the early hours of his morning (Saturday, 1 February) when members of the port force responded to a shop alarm sounding on Calcutta Road.

Two people, a man and woman, made off on foot from the rear of shop and were pursued by officers who detained them and recovered property from the burglary.

Upon searching one of the suspects, a meat clever was located in his waistband.

The male is custody for on suspicion of aggravated burglary and the woman is also being held for burglary and theft and she is also wanted on a warrant.

Superintendent Craig Saunders of Essex Police took to social media to praise his colleagues on the port force, saying: "This is a fantastic result! Very impressed to see how our colleagues responded to an aggravated burglary in progress.

"Thank you for your support as always."