A 19 mile car chase took place across Dengie country roads this morning after a car was stolen from Southminster and crashed in Basildon.

Essex Police is appealing for information after a woman was assaulted and a car taken without owner's consent in Main Road, Southminster in the early hours of this morning.

A police spokesman said: "We received a call at around 12.40am about a disturbance in Main Road, Southminster, during which a woman had been assaulted and a car taken without the owner’s consent.

"We later attempted to stop a blue MG ZS related to the incident and the driver failed to stop.

"There was a pursuit from Latchingdon to High Road, Laindon where the car crashed.

"Two men and two women have been taken to hospital for their injuries, with a woman, aged in her 20s, described as being in a life-threatening condition.

"The road was closed to traffic and enquires are continuing."

A spokesman for Essex Fire Service said: "Firefighters assisted at the scene of a road traffic collision this morning near High Road, Laindon.

"On arrival, crews reported that three people were trapped in a vehicle which had left the roadway and collided with a tree.

"Firefighters freed all three casualties by 2.40am, before leaving them in the care of the Ambulance Service."

An ambulance service spokesman said: "We were called at 1.30am today to reports of a road traffic collision at the junction of Staneway and High Road in Basildon.

"Four ambulance crews, an ambulance officer and the medical response car from MAGPAS were sent to help.

"At the scene we assessed and treated four patients. Two patients were immobilised and taken to Basildon & Thurrock Hospital and one patient was taken to Queens Hospital for further treatment. 

"One patient, was sedated at the scene and taken by land ambulance to The Royal London Hospital with possible head, pelvis and leg injuries in a serious condition.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident 37 of 21/06 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.