A MAN has been arrested after a police chase sparked by a suspected theft near a railway line.

The man on the run was seized by officers in Pendle Drive, Basildon about 12.30pm today while a second man, from Basildon, was arrested at the scene of the alleged theft about half an hour earlier.

Police believe both men may have taken or tried to steal some metal near the National Express East Anglia railway line at Margaretting, between Billericay and Chelmsford.

A 42-year-old man of no fixed abode, arrested in Basildon, is currently in custody on suspicion of driving while disqualified and theft.

A 41-year-old man from Basildon was arrested in Parsonage Lane, Margaretting, on suspicion of theft.