A man was arrested for dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle and drink-driving after a pursuit by police.

Three other people were also arrested and charged with drink-driving in the operation to clamp down on illegal drivers on Friday, October 26.

Sgt Neal Donohoe, of Romford Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), said: “There is a clear message here that we will not tolerate drinking and drug-driving on the roads of London. The message is simple – think twice, make a decision not to drink and drive as you will get stopped by the police.”

A total of 50 vehicles were stopped as part of the operation between Romford Town Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) and the Metropolitan Police North East Traffic division.

Officers patrolled Romford in cars equipped with automatic number plate recognition devices.

Sgt Donohoe said: “Operations like this one will see officers from the Roads Policing Unit, as well as local police officers, stepping up checks and stopping vehicles in the run-up to the Christmas period.

“Operations will be planned and both covert and overt tactics will be used. I would much prefer to deal with these individuals rather than attend a family home to inform relatives their son or daughter have been severely injured or worse.”