Police officers have been commended for catching a suspect of a burglary running from the scene, thanks to a coat.

Pc Aaron Cattell, Pc Abbie Gray, Pc Sam Knott and Pc Andrea Cameron were on duty in Basildon when they were called to a burglary at Clayburn Circle in Basildon on November 9.

While approaching the house of the victim, Pc Cattell saw a coat and items from the address on the floor.

This gave them the direction in which to look and after a short chase, they caught a suspect.

Police arrested a 17-year-old man in connection with the incident.

He has since been released under investigation.

Speaking about the incident, Pc Cattell from Basildon local policing team, said: “It’s sometimes difficult when arriving at an incident to identify which house we’re attending as everything happens so quickly.

“Spotting the coat was quite handy.”

Pc Cattell said that it was a proud moment for him.

Essex police also encouraged any residents who would like to join the local policing team.

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