CAR thieves gave police the slip during a high-speed chase which started in Shoebury.

The drama kicked off when the driver of a Ford Fiesta failed to stop for officers near Maplin Way, after being ordered to do so.

The crooks put their foot down and police lost them. The force’s helicopter was dispatched to try and track them too.

The car, which had been stolen five days earlier from Westcliff, was eventually found dumped in Thorpe Bay Gardens, Thorpe Bay.

No arrests have been made.

A number of residents took to Facebook to find out what was happening.

Carly Simons said: “I had about five police cars fly past my house. It seemed never ending and they were heading towards East Beach and Shoebury Park Way.

“For that many police cars to be going at such speed and the helicopter to be out as well, it does make you worry.” One of the helicopters was seen circling over the Shoebury area.

At least three police cars were spotted by residents, speeding along The Broadway, Shoebury as the officers attempted to stop the stolen car.

Councillors sympathised with residents.

James Courtenay, deputy leader of Southend Council, said he can understand the concern from residents.

He said: “The police are just doing their job.

“If they found out a vehicle is stolen and it fails to stop, the officers are going to chase it.

“We live in a large area with a large population and these things happen from time to time, but it doesn’t happen very often.”

Some worried residents raised concerns about the amount of crime on the town’s streets.

Tracey Summers said: “It isn’t going to stop, there needs to be more police on the beat, like years ago, and harder punishment put in place.”

Officers are now working to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Officers pursued a blue Ford Fiesta which failed to stop in the Maplin Way area of Shoebury just before 11.15pm on Wednesday.

“The vehicle was found to have been stolen from Westcliff on September 28.

“The pursuit was cancelled after sight of the car was lost.

“The car was later found abandoned in Thorpe Bay Gardens and recovered for investigations to be conducted.”

Members of the public who have information about this incident are urged to call Essex Police on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.