A SUSPECTED drug driver sparked chaos along a quiet seafront street after smashing into two parked cars.

Residents watched on in shock as a silver Ford Mondeo careered down Palmerston Road, Westcliff.

It hit a white Dacia, forcing it out of its parking space, before hitting a Ford Fiesta.

The collision took place close to The Leas junction at about 4pm on Tuesday.

The Mondeo driver, a 55 year old man, attempted to flee the scene before being apprehended by two members of the public.

Residents directed traffic around the crash.

Rebecca Anderson, who runs a medical billing firm in Shoebury, watched as her company Dacia was hit and damaged.

She said the incident was “frustrating” but she was relived nobody was hurt.

Miss Anderson, 28, of The Leas, said: “We were having a company barbecue at my place, so it kind of put a dampener on it all. The main thing is that nobody was hurt.

“The car is used by Elaine who works with us and she had only just had it for a few weeks, and she was a bit shook up when she saw what had happened.

“The amazing thing is that the space where the car was parked is usually empty, so if it hadn’t have been there, it could maybe have caused damage to the cafes below on the seafront. Cars can be easily repaired or replaced.

“It looked like the driver of the Mondeo was out of it, even when he tried to escape. But fortunately some guys gave chase and were able to bring him back, so we’re very grateful for what they did.”

The Mondeo hit the Dacia with such force it moved it out of its parked position to the middle of the road.

The driver was arrested and taken to the police station, where he remained when the Echo to print.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police were called to Palmerston Road in Westcliff following reports that there had been a collision between a silver Ford Mondeo and a white Dacia Sander which was parked in the street. The driver of the Mondeo left the scene.

“Officers attended and arrested a man in nearby Marine Parade who had been chased by two members of the public.

“A 55-year-old man from Westcliff was arrested on suspicion of driving offences and is currently in custody.”