Three youths are being hunted by police after a car crashed into five parked vehicles, spun out of control and skidded down a Westcliff 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 in 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 upturned car and running off. Police said today the car - registration number C175 DFC - had not been reported stolen and that it 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."

Anyone with information can call Rayleigh traffic police on 01268 775533 or Southend police on 01702 431212

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