Two men have been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and possession of drugs following a car chase.

Officers chased a vehicle when it failed to stop for them in Nethermayne at about 10.45am on Wednesday.

The vehicle then stopped in Great Knightleys and the people inside got out. A 34 year-old man from Billericay was arrested on suspicion of failing to appear and possession of drugs.

A second man, a 35 year-old, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving while unfit through drink or drugs and failing to stop when directed.

Steve Ward, Ukip councillor representing Pitsea South East, and an ex-police officer, said reckless driving could have had serious consequences.

He said: “When suspects are chased by police, they don’t think about anything or anyone else except trying to evade authorities.

“They don’t care if they hurt someone. It’s incredibly selfish because they could’ve killed someone.

“There should be harsher sentencing for dangerous driving.”

Mr Ward explained officers are highly trained to spot offenders.

He said: “When I served as a police officer, there were some telling signs of a drug addict.

“With Class A drugs, there’s always an acidic smell.

“Their eyes are usually dilated, and they have a pale burn ring around their nose and a dry mouth. They often look gaunt and skinny.”

Mr Ward added: “Police also look for micro expressions and body language. When someone is in possession of drugs they usually have their hand over their pockets, because they’ve got something to hide and that gives them away.

“And of course, if you run away from police they would have more reason to believe you’re up to no good.

“It’s really sad when people get involved in drugs. I remember there was a woman, who was quite beautiful, but her looks slowly disappeared when she got hooked into drugs.”

Mr Ward also said drug dealers are going to great lengths to get their drugs onto the streets in different ways.

He said: “When I served as an officer, I spoke to a person who was involved in drug trafficking. Traffickers are very well organised, they use courier companies, bike couriers and sometimes children. I’ve seen people lose their jobs because of addiction. They not only lose their jobs and family, but themselves.”