OFFICERS say they are "a little stiff and shaken" after making contact with a car attempting to drive the wrong way onto the M25 in Essex.

Essex Police was called to an incident at a petrol station in Waterhouse Lane, in Chelmsford, at 1.30am this morning after a car had made off without paying for fuel.

Officers then spotted the vehicle and requested it to stop.

The vehicle failed to stop and during that incident, a police vehicle was damaged.

A pursuit was authorised as the vehicle made off, driving in the wrong direction on the A12.

For safety reasons, the pursuit was ended. However, a short time later the vehicle was then seen travelling in the correct direction.

A pursuit was again authorised on the London-bound A12 carriageway towards junction 28 of the M25.

When the vehicle entered the junction, it travelled in the wrong direction and was going to join the M25 incorrectly.

As a result, officers used "tactical contact" in order to stop the vehicle on the roundabout.

During this incident, the police vehicle sustained significant damage during the incident.

Essex Roads Policing says a "highly dangerous incident" of a car driving at speed the wrong way on a motorway which "could have ended in tragedy" has been prevented.

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A spokesman said on Twitter: "Officers are a little stiff and shaken but will be back in tonight. The car, 22 plate less than 2 weeks old, can be replaced."

They added: "The decisive, professional decision making by these officers is outstanding and selfless.

"These officers are likely to have prevented serious injury or loss of life by their actions."Thank you Roads Policing AP."

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, theft, dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified.

He remains in custody for questioning.

Chief Inspector Darren Deex, of our Operational Policing Command, said: “Officers recognised the danger which this incident could have posed to traffic on the M25 and put themselves in harm’s way in order to ensure the vehicle was stopped.

“Thankfully, none of the officers involved sustained any serious injuries.

“This is just another example of the dangers officers face on a daily basis. It is thanks to their training that they were able to deal with this entire incident without compromising the safety of any members of the public and bring it to a safe conclusion.”