THREE teenagers were arrested following police chases through south Essex. 

A 16-year boy was arrested following a pursuit along the A13, through Benfleet and then into Laindon.

Two other youths, whose ages have not been released, were also arrested on suspicion of stealing a motorbike and were caught in the same area.

The first chase started after a BMW car was spotted on false number plates heading towards Southend on the A13 in Hadleigh, but ended in Laindon.

Taxi driver Ralph Morgan, who watched the police activity, said: "The helicopter was all over the place. No-one knew what was going on. I was parked up in the taxi rank in the town centre when suddenly three patrol cars and one unmarked police car sped past.

"It all happened so quickly, I couldn't see what they were following."

The BMW, which had been stolen in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, was eventually found abandoned in Minster Road, Laindon. 

The 16-year-old boy was arrested nearby on suspicion of dangerous driving and theft of a motor vehicle.

The police helicopter was then used to track a stolen motorbike in the area. 

The rider and his pillion passenger were finally stopped by a dog unit in Tyler Avenue, Laindon, with both being arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

One Great Knightleys resident, who did not want to be named, said: "There were two lads on a motorbike, which didn't seem to have a number plate. 

"They were all over the place, they nearly crashed into my car and we were having to jump out of the way to avoid them. It's a miracle no kids were hurt. 

"The next thing a load of police cars came racing past."

The motorbike had been stolen in Basildon at 8.20am.