POLICE have arrested a Dovercourt man linked to the theft of children's toys following a car chase.

Officers arrested a 48-year-old man following a pursuit along the A12 after reports a large amount of children's toys had been stolen from a lorry in Chelmsford.

The man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a vehicle, dangerous driving, failing to stop and theft from a vehicle.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We received reports at around 2.50am today concerning the theft of boxes of dolls from a lorry parked in Sheepcotes.

"Officers from our Operational Support Group carried out a search and located a vehicle driving along the A12.

"We pursued the car before the driver decamped.

"He was arrested following a short foot chase."