A ROAD is closed and diversions in place after a crash in a busy road on Canvey.

The serious crash involving multiple cars in Link Road, Canvey, caused chaos for residents as the emergency services cordoned off the scene.

Several cars that were parked in a layby have been seriously damaged as a result of the incident.

Police have now confirmed that two cars were seen racing before the crash and that the occupants of both cars fled the scene.

A spokesman for the force said: "Police received reports of a road traffic collision in Suffolk Way, Canvey, at around 12pm today, Sunday, June 18.

"We received calls that drivers of a Mini Cooper and Ford Focus were seen racing before crashing and colliding with four other vehicles.

"The occupants of both cars decamped and fled the scene.

"A woman was taken to hospital for checks but was discharged later that day. No one else was injured and enquiries are ongoing.

"Anyone with information is asked to call Chigwell Roads Policing Team on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

One of the cars, a silver Ford Focus, flipped onto it's roof in a resident's garden.

Another vehicle, a black Mini Cooper, is also badly damaged and is blocking the road.

It is thought one of the vehicles involved in the crash has collided with parked cars causing damage to several of them.

Police closed the road while they dealt with the scene and were awaiting highways to clear the damaged vehicles.

It is believed the road has now reopened.

Ambulance have been contacted for comment. We will bring you more on this when we get it.