A teenage driver was restrained while his passenger fled the scene after police found drugs and cash in a car on a routine stop.

Officers, from Castle Point and Rochford’s Community Policing Team’s dog section, stopped the Mercedes on Canvey.

They started to search the driver and the car and soon found a large quantity of cash and what’s believed to be class A drugs, namely cocaine.

Police did not confirm how much money was found - or the amount of drugs.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Police stopped a grey Mercedes at about 5pm on Monday.

“Our officers then searched one of the occupants and found him to be in possession of cocaine and a large amount of cash.

“We then searched an address in Smallgains Avenue and found cannabis inside.

“An 18-year-old man from Canvey was arrested on suspicion of resisting arrest, possession with intent to supply drugs and possession of drugs.

“He was later released under investigation.”

Officers were forced to restrain the teenager after he began struggling with them while they were trying to take him into custody.

While officers were grappling with the driver, the passenger managed to flee the scene and evade the police.

An appeal has been issued by the Castle Point and Rochford Policing team to try and track down the outstanding suspect.

They are appealing for witnesses who were in the area at the time.

PC Paul Levene from the policing team said: “If you were in the area of the High Street just before 5pm and saw a black male in a dark Grey C Class Mercedes, please call me straight away, ask for PC 71821 Paul Levene at Essex Police on 101.”

Alternatively, you can report anonymously via independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers UK on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information