A police dog and helicopter were drafted in to hunt down a masked burglar who broke into a home to steal car keys as the victim slept, a court heard.

Tommie Lloyd donned gloves and a balaclava to break into a property in Dene Holm Road, Northfleet, in the early hours of August 12, 2021.

The 21-year-old used a screwdriver to force open the front door and, once inside, stole the keys to an Audi A5 parked on the driveway.

But while reversing, he smashed into a wall, waking up the owner who called the police.

The police helicopter was deployed and a short while later the crew spotted the vehicle travelling from the Dartford Crossing into Essex.

Lloyd drove at considerable speed, overtaking and undertaking other cars and putting members of the public at risk.

He then parked the Audi at a car park near Goodmayes railway station in Ilford, and patrols, including a dog unit, went after him.

Lloyd fled on foot but after a short pursuit was detained by the dog handler. He had tried to get rid of numerous items including gloves, a balaclava and a screwdriver, as he tried to flee but all were recovered by the officers.

Lloyd, of Bennett's Castle Lane, Dagenham, was charged with burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving without insurance.

He admitted the offences at a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court and on Tuesday was sentenced to two years and four months in prison. He will also be disqualified from driving for four years and two months.

DC Colin Cherry, of the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad, said: "Burglary is a very invasive crime and can have a considerable impact on victims.

"In this case, Lloyd broke into a house while the occupants were asleep and then damaged the victim’s car as he was driving from the scene.

"He also put other road users at risk due to the dangerous manner of his driving and his prison sentence is thoroughly deserved."