A police chase ended when suspects abandoned their car and tried to escape on foot in a village.

The pursuit ended in Hamsters Close, Pebmarsh, on Tuesday evening after a chase which had started on the A12 at Marks Tey.

The black BMW, which police suspected was stolen, led police through a series of villages before being abandoned in a cul-de-sac.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Three people have been arrested following a police pursuit along the A12.

“Officers were deployed at about 5.55pm on Tuesday to search for a stolen black BMW which was then followed along the dual carriageway.

“They were assisted by the police helicopter and the dog unit.”

Starting on the A12, officers were led through Aldham, onto the A1124 and into White Colne before cornering the suspects in Pebmarsh.

The spokesman said: “The vehicle was found abandoned in Hamsters Close at about 6.30pm, before three people were arrested nearby.

“A 17-year-old girl and a 25-year-old man from Middlesex were questioned on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and failure to stop for police.

“A 16-year-old boy from Gloucester was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

“All three remain in police custody.”