Police arrested two men last night after a high-speed chase in Braintree.

Acting on intelligence from numberplate recognition cameras an unmarked police car intercepted an Audi A3 on the A120 near Galleys Corner.

The car failed to stop and was chased by police who called on the force helicopter for help. The chase ended when the men ran into nearby fields where they were arrested.

Ds Mark Cadd of Braintree CID said: “The Audi had been stolen in a burglary which occurred in Bailey Bridge Road in Braintree on July 14 and was using false plates.

“A similar car had been linked to thefts of catalytic converters on July 28 from vehicles parked at industrial units in Witham.

Two men, aged 21 and 18 from Cressing, were taken for questioning by officers. They were arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and theft from a vehicle.