THREE people were mowed down by a BMW and one of them was stabbed during a violent hit and run.

Two men and one woman were taken to Basildon Hospital with serious injuries following the drama in Swanstead last night.

A car, believed to have been involved in the incident, was later found abandoned near-by.

Detectives are investigating if the violence was drugs related.

The drama kicked off at about 5.40pm when two men and a woman were run over by a black BMW.

While the trio were lay on the ground, a passenger got out the car and assaulted one of the men, leaving him with a cut to the wrist.

The car then sped off.

It was later found abandoned in Redgrave Road.

The ambulance service took the trio to hospital.

One of the men suffered a serious leg injury, the other suffered a cut to the wrist and the woman suffered cuts and bruises.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident, or anyone who saw the black BMW being abandoned in Redgrave Road to contact Essex Police on 101.

Alternatively you can leave information anonymously on the Crimestoppers helpline, 0800 555 111.