Two teenagers have been arrested following a crash in Furtherwick Road, Canvey.

A blue BMW 120D crashed into five male pedestrians shortly after 4.10pm yesterday.

The two teenagers in the car abandoned the car and left the scene. Police subsequent enquiries revealed the BMW had been reported stolen.

A 17-year-old boy from Canvey was later arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident and driving while unfit through drink or drugs. He currently remains in custody for questioning.

An 18-year-old man from Canvey was arrested today, Sunday April 15, on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving while unfit through drink or drugs, aggravated vehicle taking, theft of a motor vehicle, failing to stop after an accident, failing to report an accident and driving without insurance. He currently remains in custody for questioning.

Read more: Man charged after car hits five pedestrians on Canvey

Five men aged in their early 20s and from Canvey were treated at the scene for serious injuries before being taken to hospitals across Essex and London. Three remain in hospital while they receive treatment and two have been released. None of the injuries are described as life threatening.

Reports there was a police pursuit are incorrect.

Officers were in the area responding to an unrelated incident at the time and not to the presence of the BMW.

However, the matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Complaints under the criteria of there being an indirect link between police being in the area and the incident.

A section of the road was closed while officers and paramedics dealt with the incident and forensic examination work was carried out.

Essex Police would like thank residents for their patience while this work was carried out.

Anyone with information or dash cam or mobile phone footage is asked to contact Dc Natacha Brown in the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01245 240590 quoting reference 770 of April 14 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk