Three men have been arrested after an attempted burglary turned into a police chase that caused the M25 to close.

Police received a 999 call just before 12.30am this morning (Friday) from a man reporting his yard in St Albans Road, South Mimms, was being broken into.

The police helicopter and dog unit were deployed as the suspects attempted to flea on foot.

A Herts Police spokeswoman said: "A significant search was carried out and the M25 had to be closed in both directions between junctions 22 and 23 to ensure the safety of the public when the suspects ran across the busy motorway several times.

"A 41-year-old man, a 48-year-old man and a 59-year-old man were all arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary, going equipped and causing a public nuisance, which relates to the closure of the M25.

"They remain in police custody at this time."

The motorway was reopened just before 2am.

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