The police helicopter, a dog unit and officers were out in force to arrest two men following the theft of a Land Rover.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Two men were arrested last night following the theft of a Land Rover in Purleigh.

“Police were called around 10.20pm to a report the Land Rover Defender had been stolen from a house in Purleigh.

“The police helicopter assisted and located and tracked the vehicle to Rawreth Lane, Rawreth.

“Officers on the ground attended and arrested two men on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

“One of the men was from Braintree and one from Pitsea, both aged 19.

“They were taken to Chelmsford Police Station for further questioning.”

Sergeant Paul Austin of Maldon Police took to Twitter to spread the news of the arrests yesterday evening.

He tweeted: “Cracking job! Landrover stolen in #Purleigh this evening. Vehicle located by @NPAS_Boreham & suspects decamp. Two arrested by Dog unit!”