Drink-driving arrest after car overturns near Southend city centre

A 37-year-old man was arrested and taken to hospital after a dramatic crash in Southend last night that saw a car flip on to its roof.

The incident happened at around 10:15pm on Sunday night in Boscombe Road, close to Southend city centre. Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of a vehicle smashing into several parked cars.

Residents described hearing a huge noise as the Citroen collided with multiple vehicles before overturning.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “It sounded like an explosion. I ran out and saw the car on its roof with bits of it everywhere – it’s a miracle no one was killed.”

Lucy Bellwood, another resident, said: “It happened outside my house. The sound of the crash was crazy. Someone could have been seriously hurt or killed. The driver was in shock and covered in blood but mostly unhurt!”

Police officers quickly cordoned off the scene and breathalysed the driver whilst he was the back of a police response vehicle. The road was left littered with smashed glass, plastic debris and dented cars.

An Essex Police spokesperson confirmed: “A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and driving without insurance.”

The Ambulance Service also confirmed that they took the man to Southend Hospital for further treatment following the incident.

The road was partially blocked for a time as emergency services dealt with the aftermath of the crash. Recovery vehicles arrived later to remove the overturned Citroen.