Car driven at high speed the wrong way down Victoria Avenue, in dramatic police pursuit

A dramatic police chase was witnessed on Victoria Avenue in Southend late this morning, as a car was driven at speed against oncoming traffic in a desperate bid to evade capture.

The shocking incident unfolded between 11:30 and 11:45am, when a suspect vehicle was seen speeding the wrong way down the busy A127 dual carriageway—a major route in Southend-on-Sea—shocking drivers and pedestrians alike.

Police units, who had been in pursuit, attempted to stop the vehicle by blocking its path, but the suspect mounted the pavement, sped across a footpath, and headed towards a nearby block of flats. In doing so, the car came close to hitting a cyclist.

An estimated eight officers were then seen to continue the chase on foot, eventually catching up with a number of suspects.

Essex Police have confirmed that three people have been arrested after the car was pursued through Southend by a specialist roads policing officer.

The incident began in Rayleigh shortly after 11am today, Tuesday 1 April when a Vauxhall Astra failed to stop for police. A pursuit was authorised by the control room, which involved a roads policing vehicle safely follow the Astra through residential streets despite numerous instances of dangerous driving manoeuvres by the car.

In total, the pursuit lasted for 12 minutes, before the Astra stopped in Victoria Avenue with three people then attempting to leave the area. Officers quickly caught up with them and three people were arrested.

A 32-year-old man, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of driving offences and weapon possession.

Adam Pipe, head of roads policing, said: “The skill and determination of the officer behind the wheel of the police car for the entirety of this incident is certainly something to behold. I want to commend his calmness in the face the dangerous manner of driving he was faced with – and at all times, the safety of the public was paramount in his actions.”

Images courtesy of Steven Brooks.