Five people have been arrested after a police chase on the A127 as officers responded to reports of stolen vehicles.

The major south Essex road was temporarily closed this afternoon just after the Wickford turn off, Londonbound, as police were dealing with an "incident".

Police have now confirmed they were responding to reports of two stolen vehicles being driven on the A132 East Mayne shortly after midday.

The cars initially failed to stop, Essex Police says, but were stopped after a short chase on the A127.

Five people were arrested as the road was closed. They are now in custody for questioning.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We responded to reports of two stolen vehicles being driven on the A132 East Mayne leaving Basildon shortly after midday on Thursday 8 June.

"Checks revealed the vehicles had been stolen in two separate burglaries earlier that morning. The vehicles initially failed to stop for our officers, but were stopped and a road closure was put in place on the A127 following a short pursuit.

“Five people have been arrested and are in custody for questioning.”

Traffic was also briefly held Eastbound on the A127. Drivers faced some delays while a lane one closure was in place.