A police officer needed hospital treatment for whiplash and bruising following a high-speed car chase through Southend.

The officer was injured when a joyrider being chased came to an abrupt halt after crashing into the back of a marked police car.

Police said the disqualified driver, who was driving a silver Ford Orion which had earlier been reported stolen, suffered severe facial injuries and a broken collarbone and was also taken to Southend Hospital.

Police chased the driver at high speed after they had tried to stop him on Eastern Esplanade early yesterday morning

The chase carried along on to the A127 towards London until the driver crashed into the back of a marked police car just after the junction with Progress Road, Eastwood. The Orion then struck the central reservation barrier before coming to a stop.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of theft of the car together with several other driving offences.

Police said the officer and suspect were both released from hospital following treatment.

The driver was later bailed pending further inquires.

Anyone with information should contact Rayleigh traffic police on 01268 775533.

Published Friday October 18, 2002

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