POLICE have arrested two men after officers chased a “stolen” Porsche through residential streets.

Witnesses reported up to four police cars speeding down Station Road, in Thorpe Bay, chasing the Porsche 4x4 with their blue lights and sirens on.

Police had attempted to stop the vehicle after receiving reports it had been stolen from a house in the Rochford area.

After it failed to stop, a pursuit ensued through the Thorpe Bay area including Burgess Road and Ulster Avenue.

Police say the vehicle was later found abandoned with drugs inside.

One witness, who asked not to be named, said: “It was a black Porsche with a 68 plate - my husband saw it being chased by the police cars. They were driving at high speed through the whole of Thorpe Bay.”

It is understood the helicopter was also launched in a bid to keep track of the pursuit.

Essex Police has now confirmed two men were subsequently arrested as part of their investigation into the stolen vehicle.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We have arrested a man following a pursuit in Southend on Wednesday, April 24.

“We attempted to stop a vehicle in Bockwell Avenue at around 7.25pm after receiving reports it had been stolen from an address in Rochford on Saturday, April 20.

“The vehicle was later found in Thorpe Bay at around 7.45pm. Drugs found inside the vehicle have been seized.

“A 29-year-old man from Southend was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, possession with intent to supply drugs and theft of a car and he remains under investigation.

“We arrested another man on Tuesday, April 23, in connection with our investigation.

“The 33-year-old man from Southend was arrested on suspicion of theft of a car and he was released on bail until Thursday, May 16.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Essex Police on 101.

Alternatively, contact independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

You can also share information online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information