A police driver was hailed a hero today after he smashed his patrol car to avoid mowing down three teenagers on bikes.

One witness said it was "an act of God" that PC Dave Frost managed to swerve and miss the boys in the middle of the road.

The 36-year-old officer careered across a pavement and ploughed into a fence and signpost in Glenmere, Vange.

PC Frost said later: "I'm fine. I am just grateful I did not run into the lads. It could have been very serious."

He was responding to a 999 call when the accident happened. In the back of his Ford Escort were two police dogs.

As he approached Glenmere the young cyclists are believed to have crossed his path.

PC Frost, stationed with Laindon Traffic, and the Alsatian dogs escaped serious injury. Only the front of the car was damaged.

Ironically, the teenagers made off on their bikes as the officer scrambled dazed and shaken from the vehicle.

Police Sgt Alan Gooden, who later attended the crash scene, said: "I believe PC Frost reacted in the best way possible under such circumstances.

"After all, only a lump of car metal came off worse. The incident could have resulted in a nasty situation with people being badly hurt."

Witness Tina Rudd, of Glenmere, commented: "The policeman did well. Those kids, who were about 14 and 15, could easily have been killed but for his evasive action.

"I think the youngsters were just being nosy. They had seen another police car go to a house and appeared to be curious. The officer had nowhere else to go. If he had not crashed through the fence the boys would have been hit."

Mrs Rudd added: "The youngsters can think themselves lucky. It was by an act of God they were not knocked down."

Quick thinking - police driver PC Dave Frost (right) smashed through railings to avoid hitting three boys who crossed his path on bicycles

Pictures: ROBIN WOOSEY

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