THE driver of a car which onlookers say was “racing” in a residential road when it crashed into a garden wall has been arrested.

Police also found Class A drugs inside the car when they arrived on the scene.

Essex Police’s Castle Point Local Policing Team were called to the incident in Clifton Avenue, in Benfleet, on Monday evening at about 5pm.

The Red Peugeot 207 had caused substantial damage to the wall, but the driver did not suffer serious injuries.

The driver have since been arrested on suspicion of driving without insurance, driving otherwise in accordance with a licence and for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

The driver - whose gender and identity have not officially been released - was still being questioned as the Echo went to press last night.

The car crashed into the house on Clifton Avenue near the junction with Holtynge.

The homeowners, a family of four, were left shocked by uninjured after the incident.

They have since posted on social media, stating no one was hurt but have appealed for anyone with information to come forward, as they will have to pay to repair the wall and their car, which also suffered damage.

Benfleet residents have warned drivers often speed down Clifton Avenue.

Mitch Lagsding said: “I live just two minutes away, and I heard the skid and the bang when it must have gone straight through the wall.

“It sounded horrible. Pretty sure there was another car racing him.”

Natalie Jones said: “There’s a lot that can go on down that road, I’ve seen people dealing what look like drugs in cars when it’s quiet, and you’ll often have some people speeding down there.

“I feel really sorry for this family, hope the bill doesn’t come to high to repair their wall.”

Josh Boone said: “I’m just glad it wasn’t happening around the school run time.

“Lots of children and parents walking around, it could have been a very different story.

“The police did a good job here and it’s great that no one was hurt and the driver could be stopped and arrested before he got anywhere else and did something worse.”

Anyone with information about the crash should call the Castle Point policing team on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.