A DRIVER crashed into a wall at high speed in a Colchester housing estate before fleeing the scene, prompting police to launch an investigation.

A black Ford Fiesta crashed into a garden wall in Monkwick Avenue, Colchester, shortly after 8pm on Sunday

Resident Kirsty Lawman, 44, had initially thought her son had fallen over in the bathroom, but after hearing her dog barking downstairs, she then looked outside to see rubble and car debris strewn across her front garden.

By the time police arrived, those in the car had left the scene and Essex Police confirmed their enquiries were ongoing.

Gazette: Debris – the wall to Mrs Lawman's front garden was completely destroyedDebris – the wall to Mrs Lawman's front garden was completely destroyed (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

Mrs Lawman said: “I was just putting the kids to bed when it happened.

“I’m just glad the wall was there – it’s not ideal.”

Mrs Lawman saw the airbags had been deployed and those in the car, who had not received any injuries, later returned to the car.

She continued: “The people in the car got up and walked away and then came back – they were having a look around in the rubble.

“My husband said ‘what are you doing?’ and then they got up and left.”

Gazette: Crash – the Ford Fiesta has since been taken by police for investigationCrash – the Ford Fiesta has since been taken by police for investigation (Image: David Harris)

“We definitely heard a noise – I thought my son had fallen over in the bath, but I didn’t think for one second a car had crashed into the wall.”

Councillor David Harris, who represents the Berechurch ward, said he was shocked when he saw the scene.

He said: “I went to see what happened for myself – I was shocked by what I saw.

“It’s not just a bump into the wall – it’s taken the wall right out.

“The people in the car could have killed themselves and others.”

Gazette: Mess – bricks and bits of car had been left across Mrs Lawman's gardenMess – bricks and bits of car had been left across Mrs Lawman's garden (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

Essex Police confirmed in a statement their investigations are ongoing.

A spokesman said: “‘We were called to Monkwick Avenue in Colchester shortly after 8pm on Sunday, February 4, following reports of a car crashing into a garden wall.

“Those in the car left the scene before officers arrived. 

“It's not believed that anyone sustained any injuries. The vehicle has since been recovered. 

“Enquiries remain ongoing.”