A COUPLE are trying to trace the driver of a silver Mercedes after it smashed into their parked car, causing serious damage.

Bob and Val Davies had just finished watching England’s 2-1 victory over Tunisia at their home in Olive Avenue when they heard a big bang outside their house.

Mr Davies said: “The game had just finished about 15 minutes earlier when we heard an almighty crash so we went outside to see what had happened.

“Someone had smashed into the back of our car, pushing it about a car’s length forward causing damage to the front and back of the vehicle.

“The whole back of the car was smashed to smithereens.

“He then panicked and reversed in a hurry and pulled away. Some of our neighbours saw the car and described it as a silver Mercedes.”

The couple are appealing to the public for help to track down the vehicle so they can be held accountable.

The 71-year-old said: “I have been driving for more than 40 years and I have never made a claim against my insurance or had a claim made against me and that record is tarnished now.

“The garage has told me my car is probably a write-off but I am still waiting for confirmation.”

Mr Davies suspects the driver may have been under the influence and that is why he fled the scene.

He added: “It’s a bit of a coincidence that the crash happened about a quarter of an hour after the game finished.

“We think he came off London Road and down Walker Drive and then left onto our street to use back roads so he avoids police.

“But these streets are actually narrower so it is more dangerous to drive at speed.

“Someone, somewhere, must have seen something or a garage must have had a Mercedes in for repair because the damage it did to our car must have had an impact on his.”

Essex Police are currently running an anti-drink and drug driving campaign in line with the world cup and other sports this summer. Officers from the Roads Policing Unit will be carrying out proactive stops around the county throughout the campaign.

The same campaign was put in place last year and saw 107 people were arrested.

If you have information about a drink or drug driver call 101, log on to the ‘Extra Eyes’ website at saferessexroads.org/extraeyes/ or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.