A car was stolen by a gang of thieves who targeted two homes.

A vehicle containing four people arrived in Victoria Road, Stanford-le-Hope at the junction of Karen Close, at about 5am on Friday November 1.

Two people got out and broke into a home in Karen Close, stole the keys to a blue Ford Focus then drove the Focus away.

Shortly afterwards, one of the suspects in the Focus broke into the porch of a home in Victoria Road, but ran off after being disturbed by the resident.

He was driven away in the Focus, which was later found in London.

Officers are now searching for witnesses.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We want to speak to drivers who were in the area at the time and have dash cam footage.

"We particularly want to speak to the drivers of two cars who were forced to stop by the Focus, who was stationary in the road waiting for one of the males to return to the vehicle Contact Grays CID on 101 quoting reference 42/173893/19.

"Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org"