Two thieves made their escape in the pitch black across muddy fields after their car crashed in Weeley following a till snatch in Colchester.

The men's Vauxhall Astra had been spotted by traffic police and followed into the Tendring district.

It ended up with the vehicle stopping following an accident in Gutteridge Hall Lane.

Despite the Essex Police helicopter and a number of officers giving pursuit across the fields, the thieves got away.

Sgt Rob Sharman, of Clacton police, said the car was recovered following the accident and was being examined by officers. "We are appealing for anyone who may have seen these men in the Weeley area or on the Little Clacton bypass to come forward," he said. Det Con Carl Dines, of Colchester police, said the till snatch had taken place at Dillons Newsagents in St Christopher's Road, St Johns, at about 8.30pm on Saturday. Both the thieves were described as about 18 to 19 years old and about 5ft 8ins tall of medium or slimmer build.

The first was wearing a dark jacket and a dark woollen hat and his accomplice also had dark clothing and a dark baseball cap with a white motif on it.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Clacton police on 01255 221312 or Colchester police on 01206 762212.

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