A South Ockendon helicopter operation to catch a man for car theft has ended successfully with a court hearing.

Thomas Enever, 38, of Hampden Crescent, Warley, who is unemployed, has been charged with using a motor vehicle without insurance and driving whilst disqualified.

The multi-man pursuit involved CID officers, a dog unit, South Ockendon police officers, and a police helicopter.

He was arrested on 1.25pm on February 12 in in Aire Drive, South Ockendon.

The arrest came following an incident in Warley where a Vauxhall Corsa was taken from a driveway.

The car was recovered and returned to its owner.

His hearing is set for February 27 at Basildon Magistrates' Court. He has been bailed till then.