A MANHUNT is underway after two thugs broke into a home, stole a car and then fled during a high-speed police chase.

Essex Police is urgently trying to find one of the suspects after a police chase in the early hours of the morning from Eastwood Road to Fairlawn Gardens, Southend.

Initially police received reports of a “millennium burglary” – classified as the theft of a high-value car where crooks have broken into a home specifically to steal the keys – at a home in Southend.

Police spotted the stolen car and a chase commenced – until two suspects jumped out of the car and attempted to flee.

One man was apprehended and arrested, however one male dressed all in black is still an outstanding suspect.

James Courtenay, councillor responsible for public protection, said: “It is sad to hear of this.

“Burglaries have been reported as at a low this week but that is not any comfort to any one burgled.

“It is great to see police have been reacting on their instinct with this and have managed to recover and return the vehicle so quickly, which hopefully gives some reassurance to the victim.

“It goes to show we have to report things quickly as police are then able to take action.

“It is good that one of the suspects has been apprehended and I hope they can find the second.”

The incident took place in the early hours of Tuesday morning last week. Following the chase, it later came to light that the vehicle the suspect was driving had been stolen only a few hours before.

The stolen vehicle has now been recovered and returned to its rightful owner.

Essex Police is now urging anyone with any information or who has seen the male that escaped to get in contact.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “In the early hours of August 29, PS Bradford and PS Chapman were out on patrol when a vehicle made off from them.

“A pursuit took place from Eastwood Road to Fairlawn Gardens and lasted approximately 10 minutes before the suspects started to run. One male was apprehended and arrested, however one male dressed all in black is still an outstanding suspect.

“It came to light that the vehicle the suspect was driving had been stolen only a few hours before and was part of a millennium burglary.

“If anyone was in and around the area and has any CCTV or has seen the male that made off, please get in contact.”