A man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping after police worked to prevent a "potential abduction" of four children.

A 38-year-old man was arrested and remains in custody after police received a report of a man leaving Chelmsford with four children in a car.

The five were found by police in east London at 11pm on Sunday through the use of a “number of policing tactics.”

The incident was initially reported as a missing person report.

Acting Detective Inspector Dan Smith praised Essex Police officers and colleagues at the Metropolitan Police for their fast response.

He said: ““This incident moved at an incredibly fast pace late last night and thankfully, alongside colleagues in the Metropolitan Police Service, we were able to bring it to a safe conclusion.

“At all times, our priority was the safety of the children present.

“A thorough investigation into the incident and the circumstances surrounding is now taking place.”