A MAN suspected of driving a stolen van was dramatically arrested in front of stunned motorists.

Police swooped on the Transit on the Southend-bound carriageway of the A127 at Wickford, just past the Dick Turpin pub. The white van was believed to have been stolen from Rainham, Essex.

It was spotted in Childerditch Lane in Little Warley, and is believed to have been used with false licence plates.

Four squad cars swooped on the white Ford Transit at about 10.30am yesterday.

Three police cars boxed the van in while a fourth car stopped the traffic.

Cops arrested the driver, 42, of no fixed abode, on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, drink-driving and driving while disqualified.

The man remains in custody while where he is being questioned.