THE police helicopter swooped on Canvey to help catch a thief after a car was stolen from outside a home in Benfleet.

The crook made off with a blue Honda Civic that had been parked outside a home in Kingsmere, Benfleet, at about 9pm on Monday.

Shortly after, police officers on the ground spotted the car travelling along Canvey Way.

The helicopter was called in to circle the island after the thief abandoned the vehicle and ran off.

An Essex Police spokes-man said: “Police were contacted shortly after 9pm on Monday, December 2, following reports that a blue Honda Civic had been stolen from outside a house in Kingsmere, Benfleet.

“Officers spotted the car a short time later on Canvey Way, where the thief abandoned it and ran off.

“The police helicopter was deployed to help with the search for him.

“Shortly after 10pm a 23-year-old-man of no fixed address was arrested in Crescent Road, Canvey, on suspicion of theft.

“He is currently being questioned by officers in a police station in south Essex.”