THREE people were arrested after two homes were burgled within minutes of each other.

One victim called police shortly after 12.40am today, Tuesday July 26 to report their home in Stock Road, Billericay, had been broken into and their Audi A5 stolen.

Five minutes later, another victim reported their house in nearby Perry Street had been burgled and their Volkswagen Golf stolen.

Officers assisted by a force helicopter carried out a search for both cars.

At one point, the Golf was seen driving the wrong way around the Brook Street roundabout on the A12. It failed to stop for police but a stinger was used to bring it to a stop in Harold Park, Romford, at about 1.15am.

Two people ran off but were located by the force helicopter hiding underneath a van.

A 25-year-old woman from Romford was arrested on suspicion of burglary and a 23-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop when directed.

Officers stopped the Audi on the Ingatestone off slip of the London-bound A12 at about 1.30am. One person fled the vehicle but was detained. The 20-year-old man from Romford was arrested on suspicion of burglary, assaulting a police officer, driving while disqualified and failing to provide a breath test.

All those arrested are currently in custody awaiting questioning.

Both stolen cars were recovered.

Witnesses who saw what happened at the time of the burglaries or saw the vehicles being driven are asked to call Basildon CID on 101.