THIEVES fleeing police attempted to stop them by letting off a fire extinguisher.

On Saturday, 24 January, Thurrock local policing team officers received a report of two men attempting to steal a moped from Lakeside.

Thanks to the detailed description they provided, officers quickly located the suspects riding away on another moped.

The suspects made off, failing to stop, driving dangerously and even spraying a fire extinguisher at the chasing officers.

The suspect moped was later found abandoned in a wooded area near the footbridge over the A1089 (Dock Approach Road) in Grays Woodside. Checks revealed the vehicle had been stolen from Grays on Monday,19 January.

Officers continued their search of the area and found two people walking through the Treetops School field, who matched the description of the suspects.

A 15-year-old from Chadwell St Mary and a 20-year-old from Tilbury were arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle and attempted theft.

Both have been bailed while CCTV and forensic enquiries continue and the stolen moped was recovered.

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A police statement said: "A huge thank you to the member of the public who called this in — your information helped us take swift action and ultimately helped us to return someone's stolen property.

"If anyone wishes to report information about a crime you can do so by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101. In an emergency call 999.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."