A MAN is due in court today after allegedly stealing an ambulance in the early hours of New Year's Day.

The rapid response vehicle was reported stolen from Valley Road in Clacton at 3.30am yesterday.

The Honda Accord's tracker was activated and the vehicle was located heading towards London on the A12.

The it was stopped near Galleywood following a police chase.

A section of the carriageway was closed for 30 minuteswhile the car was recovered and debris cleared from the road.

Daniel Glover - a 26-year-old scaffolder from Mile End. east London - was charged with aggravated vehicle taking, drink-driving, having no insurance and obstructing police.

He was due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court toay.