A serial burglar who fled to Spain after stealing close to a million pounds of property has been jailed for eight years.

David Buisson stole mostly cash and jewellery from homes and businesses in the Epping Forest district and Canvey between December 2015 and June 2017.

In April last year police searched homes linked to him in Ongar and Woodford, where they found tools and items used for drilling and lock picking, along with a stolen drone and jewellery.

The total value of all the property he stole was £914,000.

One of two computers seized showed internet searches had been made for some of the addresses that were later burgled.

Enquiries led police to an address in Spain where the 49-year-old of Stanley Place, Ongar, was arrested under a European Arrest Warrant in Fuengirola in April this year.

Detective Inspector Rob Staples said: “The invasion of your home by burglars can be incredibly impactive and we recognise the distress this can cause.

“The detectives involved in this complex investigation left no stone unturned to identify and locate David Buisson to hold him to account for his part in these offences.

“Investigating officers Detective Sergeant David Wilkinson and Detective Constable Russ Chamberlain, along with their colleagues across the force, have worked tirelessly on this case and worked closely with law enforcement colleagues both here in the UK and in Spain."

Buisson admitted 11 burglaries and two attempted burglaries when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court on July 10 and was jailed on Friday, September 14, for a total of eight years.

He was also made subject of a serious crime prevention order, to run for five years to start upon his release.

A forfeiture and destruction order was also made for the lock picking tools.

He denied three burglaries, conspiracy to commit burglary, possession of cannabis with intent to supply and possession of a firearm without a certificate.

Det Insp Staples added: “I am pleased for the victims that the man responsible for these burglaries has been brought to justice, and I hope they find some comfort knowing he has been imprisoned.”