POLICE have dismissed speculation that a bookmaker in Stanford-le-Hope was robbed earlier today.

Rumours quickly spread online amongst residents that Coral on the High Street had been targeted by thieves, after seeing the police helicopter hovering over the town.

However police confirmed that the helicopter was deployed for assistance in searching for a wanted man.

The twitter feed for the helicopter, @NPAS_Boreham, said: “24/2 1610 #StanfordleHope assisting with a search for a wanted man. Vehicle monitored and stopped by ground units.”

It later added: “24/2 1730 whilst on scene at #StanfordleHope we heard reports of a man running across gardens and helped with that search.”