Man arrested on suspicion of kidnapping children

Essex Police said the incident moved at "an incredibly fast pace"

A man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap after police were alerted to a man driving four young children away in a car.

Essex Police said the incident was initially dealt with as a missing people investigation, but then treated as a potential abduction.

The force received a report of a man leaving Chelmsford on Sunday evening with the children, who were found safe later that evening in east London.

A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of kidnap and remains in custody.

Acting Det Insp Dan Smith said: "This incident moved at an incredibly fast pace late last night and thankfully, alongside colleagues in the Metropolitan Police Service, we were able to bring it to a safe conclusion.

"At all times, our priority was the safety of the children present.

"A thorough investigation into the incident and the circumstances surrounding is now taking place."