Two men who collided with a police care after being caught within minutes of a burglary have been jailed.

Gary O’Brian and Alex Parle were both seen on CCTV from a neighbouring shop pulling up outside the Co-Op in Station Road, Longfield, at about 11.45pm on Sunday March 15

The raiders smash their way into the store

O'Brian acted as a getaway driver while Parle and another offender – who has not been caught – gained entry to the store.

After forcing their way into the store, they smashed open the shutters of a cigarette counter and stole a quantity of cigarettes before driving off.

Officers were called to the scene and found the vehicle a short distance away with Parle and O’Brian inside.

The duo tried to make off from patrols and hit the police vehicle in the process.

Both were arrested at the scene and the stolen cigarettes were recovered from the car.

Parle was also found to be in possession of a knife.

O’Brian, 27, from London Road, Tooting was charged with burglary and driving a vehicle taken without consent.

Parle, 27, from Adams Garden Estate, Rotherhithe, was charged with burglary, being in possession of a knife and being carried in a vehicle taken without consent.

Both pleaded guilty to the offences on Tuesday, April 14 at Maidstone Crown Court.

O’Brian was sentenced to 15 months and Parle was sentenced to 19 months in prison.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Katherine Barry said: "Thanks to the quick thinking of staff in a nearby shop, who saw the burglary occur on their CCTV and alerted us, our officers were able to rapidly respond and detain the offenders before they could get away.

"While justice has been served for these two offenders, we are continuing to make a number of inquiries to identify and arrest the third person involved in this burglary."

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