A SHOP front has been totally destroyed after a car crashed into it - causing traffic chaos. 

Emergency services, including Essex fire and police, descended on Southchurch Road, Southend, shortly after 3pm yesterday. 

Witnesses at the scene said they saw two men arrested following the crash which happened after a police chase along Dalmatia Road.

Essex Police was last night unable to confirm if this had been the case.

It was also unconfirmed at the time of going to press if those inside the vehicle, shop workers or residents living in the flat above were harmed.

The road was immediately cordoned off by police and drivers were warned to avoid the area.  Fire crews from Southend and Leigh attended.

A spokesman said: “ On arrival, crews reported that one vehicle had collided with a shop front, which had partially collapsed - leaving two people trapped inside the vehicle.

“Firefighters worked hard to make the scene safe as quickly as possible and released both people by 3.22pm.”

Aaron Chesham, of Southend, said: “It was chaos down there basically, absolutely chaos. 

“It is manic, nothing can get through that road, and it is an important road. 

“If you’re going to Shoebury or into the town centre you need Southchurch Road, so I imagine the other roads are totally gridlocked. 

“The car hasn’t actually gone right the way into the shop, it has smashed the front totally, but it has not gone the whole way into the shop. 

“There were workers in the shop at the time but fortunately I do not think anyone is injured, no one has been taken away in an ambulance. 

“Two men were arrested, they both looked like they were in their 40s. 

“I have been speaking to a few people here and they have said it is a police chase gone wrong.” 

The police cordon was lifted and the road reopened shortly after 5pm.  Southend PC, Marek Jaworski, tweeted: “Avoid Southchurch Road, Southend in the area near to Hamstel Road due to incident - road closures in place, please seek alternative route via Woodgrange Drive or Eastern Avenue.”

Arriva also tweeted to say bus diversions were forced to take place, which were then lifted as the road reopened. 

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. 

Or give information anonymously online at crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online/