Essex police arrest teenage boy driving stolen van
It had previously been involved in a collision in Westcliff
OSG officers have arrested a teenage boy driving a stolen van involved in a collision in Westcliff.
Whilst on routine, high visibility patrols in Westcliff, Operational Support Group officers spotted a Transit van displaying false registration plates in Manchester Drive shortly before 10pm on Tuesday 8 April.
Almost immediately, officers witnessed tools and white powder, suspected to be drugs, being thrown from the van as it sped away from their police marked vehicle.
The van was followed to nearby Cavendish Road where the driver collided with entrance gates to a recreational facility and unsuccessfully tried to run off before being detained and arrested.
Enquiries by officers searching the vehicle revealed the van was stolen from Stanford-le-hope in March. They found a knife and a bottle containing liquid that will be subject to tests as, at this stage, it’s believed to be a noxious substance.
He remains in police custody for questioning in connection with nine offences after he was arrested on suspicion of theft of vehicle, failing to stop for police, failing to provide a breath test, criminal damage to gates, possession of a knife and a noxious substance.
He has been further arrested for having no driving licence or insurance.
Essex Police's Head of Roads Policing, Mr Adam Pipe, said: “Each and every day our officers are patrolling the county to identify offenders who cause harm to our communities and this tour of duty was no different.
“We have seized a knife and a liquid substance that may be noxious from ever being criminally used in our county – it’s true that each arrest has a positive impact on the wider community.”