OFFICERS stood guard overnight at the scene of a incident in Grays last night (Sunday, 17 May) when a car smashed into other vehicles and damaged the front of a house on Lodge Lane.

The drama happened at around 11pm when residents nearby heard the loud screeching of brakes and then a large bang as a silver Lexus vehicle smashed into others parked outside two semi-detached homes on Lodge Lane.

The houses are set back several tens of yards off the main road but the speed of the onrushing vehicle was such that caused significant damage, possibly writing off at least two vehicles and demolishing a wall.

Police were on the scene in minutes and witnesses have reported at least one person fleeing the scene.

Reports also suggest that a gun was left at the site of the crash and one witness says at one point someone was banging on doors with a hammer.

A police statement last night says: "We are currently on scene following a collision between a car and a house in Lodge Lane, Grays.

"We were called just before 11pm, no injuries have been reported at this time. "Drivers are asked to please avoid the area where possible.

"If you saw anything, have any CCTV or dash cam footage, or have any other information please call us on 101 quoting incident 1417 of 17 May or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Police have issued a further update on the story this morning, just before 10am.

They say: "We believe shortly before the collision a man had met with the occupants of a silver Lexus and a struggle ensured. The man threatened those in the car with a weapon.

"He then left the scene in another vehicle. We are treating this a targeted incident."