THREE people from south Essex have been arrested with a large knife seized after a stolen car crashed in a bid to evade police.

Officers from Essex Police's road crime team and operational support group traced a stolen Blue Ford Fiesta to Maltese Road at 10.28am on Saturday.

Police prevented a chase as they boxed the car in after it crashed with a parked vehicle in a bid to evade the officers.

Two teenagers and a man were subsequently arrested and a large knife was seized.

A 28-year-old man, from Rochford, was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and drug driving.

A 15-year-old boy, from Southend, was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and possession of cannabis.

An 18-year-old man, from Westcliff, was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

All three have been released on bail while enquiries continue.