Two men have been charged in connection with a shoplifting incident in Ipswich that led to a police chase and a taser being deployed.

Saber Messaoui, of no fixed address, appeared at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on Saturday charged with dangerous driving, possession of cocaine and failing to stop for police in connection with the incident, which happened on Friday morning.

The 24-year-old was also charged with driving without a licence, driving without insurance, failing to provide a breath sample and aggravated vehicle taking.

He was remanded in custody and his case was referred to Ipswich Crown Court where he will appear in due course.

Police had been called to reports of a shoplifting offence at a convenience store in Greenfinch Avenue shortly after 8.55am on Friday.

Officers were sent to investigate the incident, which led to a police chase through West End Road and Yarmouth Road and a man being tasered.

Mark Findlay, also 24 and of Molewood Close in Cambridge, was charged with two theft offences, one in connection with the Greenfinch Avenue incident and another at a second shop in Dickens Road.

Both of the offences are alleged to have happened on Friday, December 29.

Findlay was released on bail to appear at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on January 15.

Two other men, aged 25 and 27, were also arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking.

Both have now been released without charge.