A MAN has been arrested after trying to steal fuel from parked trucks then ramming into a car as he tried to escape. 

Two men were seen trying to siphon fuel from bin lorries owned by Fiveways Municipal Hire in Luckyn Lane, Basildon, at 11.15am this morning. 

The owners of the trucks spotted the thieves and tried to stop them but the suspects tried to flee - ramming into a Bentley - before running off towards Chester Hall Lane. 

Three men chased after the thieves and caught one, but the other got away. 

A worker from Fiveways, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We got a call from our boss around 11.15am and we ran over and saw the men running away.

“They have taken fuel out of two rubbish trucks and both are bone dry and will not start.”

The black Ford Focus, which was abandoned by the thieves, was parked on the footpath with a tank of diesel and a large hose in the back.

One eyewitness said: "I heard a bang, shouting and a car engine revving really loudly. 

"A black Ford Focus was up the kerb and there were men around it. One man tried to run off and about three guys ran after him. The front of the car was all smashed in. 

"I could see what I think was diesel over the road. I couldn't believe something like that would happen in the middle of the day on a busy industrial estate."

Essex Police said a 21-year-old man from Grays was arrested on suspicion of theft and criminal damage and has been taken to Basildon police station for questioning.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Basildon police station on 101.