A police car was damaged as it chased after two men suspected of drink driving in Wickford.

Officers were called at 6am today following reports a car had failed to stop at the scene of a two-vehicle accident.

The Ford Focus was later tracked down in Wickford High Street, but a police car and another car were both damaged as officers attempted to bring it to a stop.

Two 24-year-old men from Wickford were arrested at the scene on suspicion of drink driving and fleeing the earlier crash.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police were called to Wickford at 6am following reports of a fail to stop road traffic collision.

“Officers attended to find that two Ford Focus cars had been in a collision close to the junction of Runwell Road and Station Approach.

“One of the cars failed to stop and left the scene.

“This car was subsequently located by the police and halted in the High Street at the junction with Market Road.

“Damage was caused to the police car and another vehicle when the Focus was brought to a stop.

“Two men, both aged 24 and from Wickford, were arrested and have been taken to Basildon police station for questioning.

“They were detained on suspicion of failing to stop and drink driving.”