A family saw their Christmas travel plans rescued after their stolen car was found in Barking.

Officers from the Estates Police Team discovered two identical Audi Q5s whilst patrolling an estate on Wednesday, a spokesman for Barking and Dagenham Council said.

The vehicles had not been seen in the area before and officers thought it odd they were parked next to each other.

Investigations found they had been stolen from south London addresses and parked by thieves in the area before being moved on elsewhere.

Thankfully the Estates team has now contacted the vehicle’s rightful owners, both of whom were overjoyed with the news.

One of the families was just moments away from cancelling their festive travel plans.

Officers have arranged for the return of both Audis – just in time for Christmas.

Cllr Laila Butt, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said she was “thrilled” the team had “rescued Christmas for both families”.