A BENFLEET man is facing jail after causing a smash which left a quiet street looking like a scene fromaHollywood action movie.

Kevin Austin, 27, of Seamore Avenue, was trying to escape police when the powerful BMW M6 he was driving careered off the road at the junction of Daws Heath Road and Western Road, Thundersley, and hurtled through five front gardens, writing off several cars.

The drama unfolded when the BMW careered through a garden on the corner of the junction. It then crashed through a hedge, into the neighbouring garden and slammed into a white Transit van, ripping the cab apart.

The BMW then flipped into the air and crashed through the next garden, destroying several vehicles.

The damaged Transit van was hit so hard it pushed another car through a garden wall and its bonnet was sent flying into the air, landing on top of a Mercedes four homes down.

Stunned neighbours said the noise was astronomical, describing as though there had been an explosion.

Witnesses believe the driver was driving faster than 60mph, more than double the speed limit. The road was closed for five hours while forensic teams combed the scene and the wreckage.

On Friday, Austin pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, driving without insurance and driving without a valid licence when he appeard at Basildon Crown Court.

Judge Jonathon Black said: “These are very serious offences. You face a custodial sentence and you should prepare yourself accordingly.”

Sentencing will be on December 16.

Colin Riley, Castle Point Tory councillor, lives in Daws Heath Road and overheard the accident take place.

He said: “The people living there were very lucky someone was not injured.”