MOTORISTS are warned not to drive dangerously when they see emergency vehicles approaching.

The warning comes from an Essex Police driving instructor, after many people appear to panic when confronted with an ambulance, police vehicle or fire appliance driving with flashing lights and sirens.

In the past cars have pulled over at dangerous junctions, left too small a gap for other vehicles to pass or simply not stopped at all when they see 999 vehicles.

Sergeant Paul Hooks, from the Essex Police driving school, said: "The main advice that we would give drivers when they see emergency vehicles travelling with flashing lights and sirens is not to panic.

"It's the emergency vehicle driver's problem, and if you can do anything to assist their movement - for example pulling over at the first opportunity - that would be very helpful. Otherwise leave them to solve the problem."