TWO teenage burglars carrying a 55-inch television evaded police capture.

The pair struck at Hockley Community Centre, Westminster Drive, and managed to get away, despite being tracked by the police helicopter.

The helicopter stayed with them as they hopped over the fences of several back gardens, but then lost them along the railway line, near Hockley railway station.

However, in their haste they dropped the TV.

Paula Noble, 41, secretary of the community centre, told how the duo broke into the centre’s shed to get the tools to do the crime.

She said: “First of all they’ve tried to get into my office window which has got bars across it. They managed to do a bit of damage, but not get any further than that.

“They eventually broke into the club bar by levering the window up and made their escape along the railway track.”

Police managed to recover the TV, which is thought to be undamaged. It will be returned to the centre following a forensic examination.

Officers confirmed there had been another burglary in Greensward Lane on the same night, but could not confirm whether they were connected.

The television theft happened about 9pm on Sunday.

Anyone with information can call Rayleigh police station on 0300 3334444.