Police spent 15 hours recovering parts of stolen high-value cars as a suspected south Essex chop shop was uncovered.

Reacting quickly following information received, community policing officers and Essex Police's stolen vehicle intelligence unit attended an address in Askews Farm Lane, Grays, on Monday .

During the activity, officers discovered parts of suspected stolen vehicles - including Range Rover parts - as well as other suspected high value goods in containers.

Thurrock Gazette: Officers spent 15 hours recovering partsOfficers spent 15 hours recovering parts (Image: Essex Police)

In total, officers from the unit spent 15 hours at the scene, identifying and recovering the parts.

Three men – two aged 19 and one 25, all from London – were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

A 49 year-old man from Aveley was also arrested at a separate location as part of the investigation.

All four have since been released on bail until April 11 as police enquiries continue.

Thurrock Gazette: Stolen car parts in a container on the siteStolen car parts in a container on the site (Image: Essex Police)

Last year the stolen vehicle intelligence unit identified or recovered more than 700 stolen vehicles with a combined value of £27million.

Since the start of 2021, the team have recovered or identified more than 1,800 vehicles worth £58.5million and investigated 106 chop shops – garages where stolen cars are dismantled or given false identities.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "If you have any information about a vehicle that’s been stolen please contact us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online live chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am and 9pm.

"Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."