THE police helicopter was called to Leigh following a burglary.

Officers were called to Orsett Avenue at around 10pm after a teenage thief broke into a home and made off with a woman’s handbag.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: “We were contacted at 10pm on Saturday with reports of a burglary having just happened in Orsett Avenue, Leigh in which a handbag was stolen. An area search was conducted including the police helicopter but no one was found.

“The suspect is described as in his late teens, of mixed race, around 5ft 6 inches tall and of slim build. He was possibly wearing a tracksuit and hooded top.

“The handbag stolen from the address was found on Sunday morning by dog walker near to the address.”

Anyone with information should contact police at Southend on 101.