TW0 police officers were assaulted and injured while making arrests in Purfleet in the early hours of this morning (Thursday, 31 March).

Four men were arrested after items worth about £18,000 were stolen from a lorry parked in a service station close to the M11.

The incident began at about 2am this morning when a lorry driver reported a group of men were stealing bicycles from his trailer at Birchanger services. The group then made off in a white Ford Transit van.

However, officers from the Essex Police Operational Support Group (OSG) were able to track the vehicle to a lane in Purfleet. When they arrived, officers engaged with the group, some of whom ran off. During the subsequent arrests, two officers were assaulted, one of whom was struck numerous times to the face.

Their injuries are not considered to be serious, and they are being supported within their team.

Four men have been arrested on suspicion of theft and theft from a vehicle. They remain in custody. The bicycles have also been recovered.

Chief Inspector Darren Deex, who leads OSG, said: "This team of officers put themselves in harm's way in order to affect an arrest and recover what we believe to be stolen items.

"Thankfully, the injuries sustained by the two officers are not serious, but it is a reminder of how the work carried out by police can be difficult – and it can be dangerous.

"That said, OSG officers are highly trained and despite meeting aggression during this incident, they were able to find a way to take control of the situation and make arrests."

Police have issued an appeal for information, saying: "We need anyone who witnessed the initial theft or has dash cam footage of the incident to submit a report online herewhere you can use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am and 11pm. You can also call 101. Please quote incident 74 or 101 of Thursday 31 March.

"You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."