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This is the moment armed police found a stalker hiding under a bed after he mowed down three people while speeding through the streets.

Joseph Wicks, 27, of Braithwaite Drive, Colchester, mounted the pavement and hit pedestrians in a Fiat 500 on Queen Street on November 30 last year.

He fled the scene before police later found him hiding beneath a bed frame.

Footage shows officers telling Wicks 'the game's up' as they shine a torch into his hiding place before arresting him.

During the driving incident, Wicks narrowly missed other members of the public as he drove the wrong way down one-way streets, sped along narrow roads and ignored red traffic lights.

He eventually abandoned the car in Wivenhoe Quay, where police discovered his fingerprints inside the vehicle, identifying him as the driver.

While Essex Police were investigating the incident, Wicks went on to commit further offences six months later.

A campaign of stalking and harassment against a woman culminated in an incident on May 8 this year, when Wicks was reported to have attended the victim's address.

He shouted, swore and acted aggressively, banging on the front door and demanding to be let inside.

After Wicks returned to his van, a man approached and opened the passenger door to confront him about his behaviour.

This is the moment armed police found a stalker hiding under a bed after he mowed down three people while speeding through the streets

Joseph Wicks, 27, of Braithwaite Drive, Colchester, mounted the pavement and hit three people in a Fiat 500 on Queen Street on November 30 last year

He fled the scene before police later found him hiding beneath a bed frame

While Essex Police were investigating the incident, Wicks went on to commit further offences six months later

The man reported seeing a metal baseball bat and what appeared to be a handgun inside.

Wicks left the area but continued to bombard the woman with threatening phone calls and messages.

Following the report of a potential firearm, armed officers began searching for Wicks.

The following day, May 9, officers located his van and discovered the baseball bat, but no firearm.

On May 11, officers arrived at another address, where several people claimed they had not seen Wicks.

However, police searched the property and found him hiding underneath a bed.

Wicks was arrested and charged with a string of offences, including dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, failing to stop for police, three counts of assault by beating, three counts of attempting to cause actual bodily harm, stalking, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, sending threatening communications and criminal damage.

While Wicks admitted to many of the charges, he denied having an imitation firearm.

Appearing for sentence at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday, July 31, Wicks was jailed for four years and six months. He was also disqualified from driving for two years and six months.

Inspector Tom Stokes, of our Force Support Unit, said: 'Our officers are trained to deal with some of the most challenging and high-risk situations policing can present.

'Every deployment requires calm judgement, clear decision-making and the ability to assess rapidly changing circumstances while keeping the public, colleagues and themselves safe.

'In this case, officers were tasked with locating and arresting a man linked to a series of serious offences, including dangerous driving which put members of the public at risk and a report involving what was believed to be a firearm.

'When information suggests there may be a weapon involved, we must plan carefully and act decisively.

'The professionalism shown by the officers involved meant they were able to safely enter the address, carry out a thorough search and locate Wicks despite efforts to conceal himself.

'Their actions ensured a high-harm offender was brought before the courts and held accountable for his actions.

'Much of the work carried out by armed officers happens out of the public eye, but it is built on extensive training, teamwork and a commitment to protecting communities across Essex. We will continue to target those who pose the greatest risk and ensure they are brought to justice.'