TWO arrests have been made after Essex Police recovered a stolen digger… 20 minutes after it was taken.

Officers started investigating the incident shortly after 7.50pm yesterday after the digger was stolen from Torkildsen Way, Harlow.

A number of men were reported to be involved, all wearing high-visibility jackets.

Responding officers were able to track down a “low-loader” vehicle carrying the stolen digger.

The vehicle then stopped on the London-bound A10 and the individiuals inside the vehicle got out and tried to flee the area.

However, Essex Police officers were able to catch up and make arrests just before 8.10pm.

Two men, aged 49 and 43, both from Hertfordshire, were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

The 43-year-old is also being questioned on suspicion of driving without insurance and driving whilst disqualified.

Detective chief inspector Alan Blakesley said: “The speed at which officers reacted to this reporting coming into us from a very vigilant member of the public should not be underestimated.

“I would like to thank the person who bravely alerted us to this incident, which ensured the officers attending it had all the information they required and in a very short time.

“They assessed the options available to them, with the possibility of the vehicle failing to stop or people becoming injured.

“Thankfully, neither came close to taking place and the incident was brought to very safe conclusion, very quickly.”

Both men remain in custody.