A CAR was engulfed in flames after a crash in Southend, an eyewitness says.

Emergency crews rushed to Sutton Road just before 4.30am today after reports of a car fire near Reynolds Motor Group.

Two people had to be treated by paramedics who attended the incident, but it is currently unknown if any serious injuries were sustained.

A spokesman for the Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: “A crew from Southend was called to Sutton Road, Southend, at 4.25am this morning after reports of a car fire.

“Firefighters extinguished the fire by 5am.

“Two people were left in the care of the ambulance service.”

Gabrielle Stephens, of Ennismore Gardens, Southend, witnessed the incident while on her way to work and immediately phoned the emergency services.

She says there were four teenagers within the vehicle who she ensured were moved to safety as quickly as possible “in case it blew up”.

Ms Stephens said: “I was really shocked at first but then I got out of my car and called 999 so all the emergency services came.

“I made sure they stood away from the car in case it blew up.”