A STOLEN car which was spotted being towed by a van which tried to flee after being spotted by police officers has been returned to its owner... who didn't even realise it had been taken. 

Essex Police officers on patrol in Chigwell heard a car alarm sounding before noticing a Golf R attached to a van.

According to the force, the vehicle attempted to drive off after dropping its lifting mechanism and leaving the car in the middle of the road, blocking traffic.

After running several checks, officers determined the car had been stolen before returning it to its owner, who was unaware of its disappearance.

Fortunately, nobody was injured as a result of the incident but the police's investigation is ongoing.