A car was stopped on the A12 out of Essex on Saturday after the vehicle and its occupants were suspected to be involved in shoplifting.

Essex Police stopped the car on the A12 in Chelmsford after they received reports of the vehicle being believed to be involved in a shoplifting incident in Stanway an hour earlier.

The pulled over Ford S-Max was filled with groceries and household goods but the suspects couldn't account for them.

A 49-year-old man, and two women aged 31 and 51 were released under investigation while the police continue their enquiries.

Head of Essex Roads Policing, said: “We continue to patrol the county to identify those who make criminal use of our roads in an attempt to evade arrest, and will always take robust action against those concerned.

“Our shops are at the heart of our communities and provide a valuable service to all who use them.

“Theft from their shops on a grand scale threatens the very business they provide and the lifeline they share with their communities.”