A SUSPECTED burglar led police on a high-speed chase in a Porsche stolen during a break-in in Wickford.

Police managed to catch up with the stolen vehicle thanks to a hidden tracking device and when it didn’t respond to signals to stop, officers pursued it all the way into Wood Green in North London.

The force helicopter was even scrambled to keep track of where the car was going.

Eventually - after a 37 mile journey - the car crashed and a 22-year-old man from Basildon was arrested on suspicion of burglary and driving offences.

He was taken to Wood Green police station for questioning and released under investigation.

Police found that the car had been stolen from a garage in Sandown Road, Wickford after a home had been ransacked.

Chief Insp Sam Smith, district commander for Basildon, said: “The vehicle has been taken by the Met Police for forensic examination.

“The arrested man was arrested for burglary, failing to stop for police, taking a vehicle without consent, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.

“I am pleased that the officers managed to arrest this man and the car can be returned to its rightful owners.”

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101 or independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Visit crimestoppers-uk.org.