A POLICE car was rammed as it was led on a high speed pursuit after a terrified man was threatened by a gang wielding a hunting knife.

The victim dialled 999 and reported that a gang of men had threatened him with the weapon as he was getting belongings out of his car in Great Ranton, Pitsea.

Following the confrontation, they made off from the scene in a grey Vauxhall car. It is not believed that anything was stolen from the man and he was uninjured.

Police officers who were patrolling nearby managed to track down the vehicle, which failed to stop when signalled.

PC Tony Mayo, from the Essex Police dog section, was then called to assist and took over the pursuit.

He said: “This man reported that he was in the street when he was presented with this knife and threats were made to him.

“He went out to get something from his car and then he came across them.

“They made off in a grey Vauxhall car. Another unit managed to behind the car and started to do checks on it.

“I started to catch up to them around the Rectory Road area.

“The vehicle failed to stop initially and I chased up to Sadlers Farm and back into Pitsea.

“It rammed one of our police cars and continued with me pursuing it.

“Strangely enough, it drove back into Great Ranton.”

As the car made its way back into the residential street, PC Mayo saw three men climb out of the car and run.

Officers chased after them and detained two passengers, while PC Mayo used police dog Wilson to track the scent of the driver.

PC Mayo added: “The driver was traced by police dog Wilson into a nearby garden where he was hiding behind a fence.”

Following a search of the car, a quantity of cannabis was found, as well as the hunting knife - which had a 10ins blade.

The three men, who are all aged in their twenties and from Basildon, were arrested at about 3am on Thursday. Two were arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and one man was arrested for possession of an offensive weapon, failing to stop and dangerous driving. They remained in custody at the time the Echo went to print.

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.