Three youths are being hunted by police after a car crashed into five parked vehicles, spun out of control and skidded down a street on its roof.

A sixth car crashed into a post after it swerved to avoid the white Maestro speeding the wrong way down London Road, Westcliff, on Friday night.

The Maestro careered into Southview Drive at about 7.30pm and drove the wrong way up the one-way street before crashing into parked cars and flipping over.

Three youths, all male, were seen clambering out of the car and running off, apparently uninjured.

Police said today the car - registration number C175 DFC - had not been reported stolen and was not registered to anyone.

Eyewitness Paul Hibbard said: "We heard this big bang and crash. There was a lot of noise and then we came out on to the street to see the car on its roof."

Mr Hibbard, who was staying at his parents' house in Southview Drive, said a Ford Fiesta and Ford Orion belonging to them had been damaged in the collisions.

He said: "Everyone was a bit shocked. Everyone came out on to the street to see what was going on. The car itself came to rest just outside our house."

Fire crews were called to the scene to remove the wrecked cars.

A police spokesman said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened or who saw the occupants of the car."

Rayleigh traffic police can be contacted on 01268 775533 and Southend police can be contacted on 01702 431212, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Smash - the car which hit five vehicles before its driver and passengers ran off

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

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