ISLANDERS told how a car came tearing past their homes in a high-speed police chase.

People living in Waarden Road, Thisselt Road and Denham Road, Canvey, spotted the car driving through their streets at about 70mph- closely followed by two police cars.

A Waarden Road resident, who did not wish to be named, said he heard the chase at about 10pm on Thursday.

The 37-year-old said: “I was in the garden at the time so I heard it all.

“It must have been about 10pm. A car came flying down Waarden Road. I suppose it must have been doing about 70mph.

“Then a couple of police cars came screeching down after them only a couple of moments afterwards, so I think a chase must have been in progress.

“This is one of the through roads used by residents, but it is usually quite quiet.

“We don’t usually get a lot of crime down this road, and certainly no car chases.”

It is believed the car turned into Denham Road from Waarden Road.

The eyewitness added that a rise in violent crime on Canvey is causing alarm among islanders.

He said: “It is very disappointing to see all this crime going on.

“My family has lived on the island for 40 years and we have never seen it so bad.

“It is a shame as it is putting people off from moving here.

“My girlfriend moved here from London earlier this year and said she has felt more unsafe living on Canvey.

“At least we are getting more of a police presence on the island now though.

“All the crime which used to be happening in London seems to have moved here.”

Other islanders also took to social media to express their surprise at the police pursuit.

Shell Vincent posted on Facebook: “It’s npt what you expect when you are winding down for bed.

“We don’t exactly live on main streets.”

David Futter added: “I heard them fly down one of the roads near us. It must have been on Sydervelt I reckon.”

Incidents on Canvey over the past month include a double shooting in Somnes Avenue on Saturday, August 6.

Two men were shot in the head and neck at about 3.30am, resulting in serious but not life-threatening injuries.

It came just four days after two men, one armed with a knife, stormed into a Canvey home demanding cash.

A week earlier, on Tuesday, July 26, two gunmen wearing balaclavas walked into the Winter Gardens Post Office, in Central Avenue, Canvey, and demanded cash.

Canvey was even likened to a “wild west town” by councillor Dave Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Independent Party, after the recent spate of violent incidents.

He and veteran Tory councillor Ray Howard are due to meet with police and crime commissioner Roger Hirst to discuss their concerns.

An Essex Police spokesman said that officers tried to stop a black Vauxhall Vectra, but it made off after a high-speed pursuit.

He said: "A black Vauxhall Vectra failed to stop for officers on patrol in Long Road, Canvey.

"The vehicle was pursued by trained officers but lost in the area of Warren Avenue.

"A further area search did not find the vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101."