No arrests have been made after an urgent police hunt for armed men in balaclavas in Bexley and Sidcup.

During the evening on Wednesday, December 1, Bexley and Sidcup Police issued a warning to residents that three men in balaclavas had been seen at around 8.30pm in Townshend Close.

They had been disturbed stealing a catalytic converter and officers said they were searching the area.

A further update just 30 minutes later said another two catalytic converters had been stolen in Bexleyheath and that the suspects were armed with weapons.

Members of the public said these were metal poles and tools.

The suspect vehicle was confirmed to be an Audi by police - after initial thoughts of it being a BMW.

Bexley Police warned "DO NOT approach" and residents were told to call 999 "immediately" if the suspects were seen.

The News Shopper asked Metropolitan Police for an update later on Wednesday evening - and have today (Monday) received confirmation that no arrests have been made in connection with any of these thefts.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "Unfortunately there isn’t any further information we can provide other than what was written on the posts.

"Suspects were three to four males wearing dark clothing with balaclavas.

"The one theft in Sidcup and a few more in Bexleyheath the same night.

"Suspect vehicle initially described as BMW X5 but then confirmed to be an Audi.

"Suspects were also said by members of the public to be armed with metal poles and tools.

"No arrest have been made in connection with any of the thefts from Wednesday night as far as I am aware."

The social media posts from Bexley and Sidcup Police on Wednesday night said: "3 males wearing balaclavas/face coverings disturbed stealing a cat converter from vehicle in Townshend Close, Sidcup 10 mins ago.

"Police in area now conducting area search.

"Suspect vehicle - possibly BMW X5. Keep an eye out in Bexley, Sidcup & Footscray -

"Call 999 immediately!"

Followed by: "Correction - suspect is an Audi currently on a 67 plate.

"Another two cat converter thefts in B/Heath/ Susps armed with weapons - DO NOT approach - call 999."

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