A VIDEO of the moment that a van driver rammed a police car, disabling it and then drove off has appeared on social media – but has drawn criticism as it appears to support the perpetrator.

Mocking the incident is wrong says Tilbury councillor John Allen, who actually witnessed the van's pursuit by an unmarked police car as it was driven recklessly through Tilbury.

"This is not funny, it's not a joke," said Cllr Allen.

"I witnessed all of this from Brennan Road while I was with a vulnerable lady undertaking some casework for her! This idiot nearly hit two children in his effort to get away and avoid capture. God forbid he had hit those kids! I only hope they find him and exercise the full power of the law."

A police spokesperson confirmed today (Tuesday, 6 June) that the offender had not yet been identified and the police investigation is ongoing.

If anyone can contribute information they can let police know by submitting a report on the Essex Force website where you can use an online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

Or visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call police on 101.

If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.