Six men have appeared in court charged with conspiring to steal vehicles after raids across south Essex.

The men were arrested on Monday following the police raids across south Essex, and one in east London.

These arrests were made as part of Essex Police's effort to tackle organised vehicle crime.

All six were remanded into custody to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Those charged are Joe Higgs, 31, of West Street, Rochford; Harrison King 22 and Alfred King, 21, both of New Hall Road, Hockley; Tommy Potten, 35, of Plumberow Avenue, Hockley; Harrison Lunch, 18, no fixed address, Brentwood; and Festus Akinola, 69, of Whitebarn Lane, Dagenham.

Five men have been remanded into custody and all six men will appear at Basildon Combined Court on Tuesday August 20.

An 18-year-old man has been released on bail until September 17 while enquiries continue.