A man suspected of stealing parcels from a delivery van in Newham reportedly crashed into three police cars as he tried to escape arrest.

The man, in his 50s, was stopped in a car on High Street South, East Ham at around 2.30pm yesterday (October 22).

He was found to be in possession of a number of parcels, the force said.

They were believed to have been stolen less than 30 minutes earlier from a parcel delivery van in Newham.

The driver of the van had briefly left his vehicle to deliver a parcel, when three males broke into the van and made off with a number of packages.

Police arrested the 50-year-old on suspicion of theft from a parcel delivery van in addition to failing to stop for police and driving offences.

However, when he tried to avoid the arrest, the man’s car crashed with three police vehicles.

No officers were injured, but the man was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Enquiries are ongoing to locate the two outstanding suspects.

DCI Laura Hillier, Specialist Crime, said: “A team of police officers, including specialist Met Taskforce and Flying Squad detectives, are continuing an operation to tackle crime against parcel delivery firms and their staff.

“As one suspect found out this afternoon, we are using innovative tactics and dedicating significant resources to identify those believed to be responsible and arrest them.

“Anyone with information about people who commit these offences is urged to call 101 or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers and quote Operation Soslink.”