Stinger used to stop HGV as four men arrested

Police used a stinger to stop a lorry being driven "dangerously and suspiciously" on main roads.

It was spotted on Friday night being driven erratically, including on the wrong side of the A127 and A13 in south Essex, while being "safely pursued by roads policing officers", Essex Police said.

The vehicle was then driven into the Grays area, and the driver ran off but he was caught and arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop.

A second vehicle, believed to be connected to the incident, arrived in the area and three men inside were arrested on suspicion of going equipped and conspiracy to commit theft after gloves and several balaclavas were found inside.

All four men remained in custody.

Supt Ella Latham, from Essex Police, said: "This HGV was being driven really worryingly and the person behind the wheel appeared to have no regard for the safety of other people using the road last night and officers knew it had to be safely stopped.

"Thankfully, the stinger was used safely, which meant the driver had to stop. He tried to run away, but a search by a police dog and with air support meant he was tracked easily.

"When the second vehicle turned up, officers followed their suspicions and made a number of discoveries there which now form part of our overall investigation."

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