A trio of teenagers were arrested just an hour after police received reports of a burglary.

At 5.40pm on Thursday (September 6) police were called to Purlieu Way in Theydon Bois.

Within 40 minutes of the burglary, during which a white Volkswagen Golf was stolen from outside a house, officers had found the vehicle and made arrests.

A 17-year-old boy from London was arrested on suspicion of burglary, going equipped, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a class B drug.

Another 17-year-old boy from Woodford Green was arrested on suspicion of burglary, while a 14-year-old boy, also from Woodford Green, was arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft of a motor vehicle.

Detective Sergeant Muhammad Asghar from Loughton CID, said:

“We are interested to hear from any members of the public who may have dash cam footage of the Volkswagen in the area of B172 Abridge Road to the A113 Ongar Road yesterday.

“It may have been being driven erratically and in convoy with a black vehicle.”

Enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Loughton CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.