ESSEX Police officers made a number of arrests last week when they were deployed to Canvey to patrol and gather intelligence.

Officers from across south Essex have been tackling suspected drug and violent crime under Operation Sceptre.

On Thursday, May 7, a number of arrests were made, including a 40-year-old woman, who was arrested on suspicion of drug driving after she was stopped on Mayland Avenue, shortly after 9.30am.

A drugs wipe was used at the roadside and, as a result, she was arrested. She has since been released under investigation.

A 28-year-old man from Benfleet was stopped on Helmsdale shortly after 12.30pm. Sam Dullee, from High Road, has since been charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis. A court date has not yet been set.

After being alerted to a suspected stolen car on the A127, officers from OSG and the dog section engaged in a pursuit.

The car, a Mini, was later found abandoned on Mayflower Close in Southend.

After a search of the area, officers arrested a 28-year-old man in Comet Way on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, failing to stop when directed, driving without a licence and driving without insurance. He has been released under investigation. 

Later that evening, a silver Dacia was followed up the A130 and stopped near Rettendon Turnpike. The driver of the car, a 35-year-old man from Feltham, was arrested just before 9pm on suspicion of drug driving and possession of cannabis. 

He has been released under investigation as enquiries continue. 

Throughout that evening, a total of 26 stops were carried out.

Officers continue to urge any members of the public with information about crime to report it, either online through the website or by calling 101.

Always call 999 in an emergency. 

If you would prefer to remain 100 per cent anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

For more information about Operation Sceptre, visit www.essex.police.uk/opsceptre