SNIFFER dogs and a drone were used to try and hunt down a car passenger who fled after a police chase which saw the driver arrested.

Police officers attempted to pull over an Audi after suspecting the vehicle was speeding along the high street in Canvey.

When the vehicle failed to stop, police gave chase until it was blocked by bollards at the bottom of Station Road, on Friday night, shortly before midnight.

One witness, who asked not to be named, said: “I noticed all the blue flashing lights but didn’t really know what had gone on or anything.

“There was at least four police cars and sniffer dogs were out in the street clearly looking for something or someone.

“I saw one man getting arrested and put into the back of a police car.

“I don’t think a lot of people realise there are bollards here so whoever was driving the car the police were chasing they clearly got caught out and had to ditch it and run.”

Witnesses also reported seeing the officers launch a drone in a bid to track down the runaway suspect.

The driver of the Audi was arrested on suspicion of a string of traffic offences as well as two counts of possession with intent to supply drugs.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “A blue Audi A4, which officers suspected of speeding, failed to stop when directed in High Street just before 11.39pm on Friday.

“A pursuit was authorised and the car came to stop a short time later in Station Road when the road was blocked off by bollards.

“The 21-year-old driver, from Basildon, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of failing to stop when directed, two counts of possession with intent to supply, driving without insurance, and driving without a licence.

“The suspect has been released pending further investigation into the incident.

“Anyone with information about the passenger of the vehicle is asked to call 101 quoting reference number 1462 of 11/05.”

Witnesses or anyone with information about the passenger can also contact independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk/org/give-information/give-information-online