A DRIVER had a miraculous escape after crashing off The Strood and into the sea.

A Volkswagen Golf careered off the causeway, through a barrier and into the water during the middle of the night.

The crash took place after the car collided with a Fiat 500.

Police, paramedics and the West Mersea RNLI were called to the scene.

Somehow the driver of the Volkswagen Golf managed to avoid injury and was able to get out and is believed to have left the scene.

Shortly before the crash the Volkswagen Golf had been taken from Crouch Street, Colchester.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Officers were called shortly before 3.25am with reports a Volkswagen Golf and a Fiat 500 were in collision at The Strood, Peldon.

"The Golf crashed through a barrier and into the water.

"No-one was injured or trapped.

"The Golf had been reported being taken without the owner’s consent."

West Mersea RNLI had just finished rescuing two people stranded in the sea when they were called to the crash.

The volunteer crew had travelled out after an outboard engine ran out of fuel and one of the stranded pair swam to a fishing boat to put out a mayday call.

After rescuing the pair they were called to the Strood to assist.

A 21-year-old man from West Mersea has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking.

He has further been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop after an accident, driving while unfit through drink or drugs, driving without insurance and driving without a licence.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "He was released under investigation and enquiries are ongoing."

The incidents took place on Sunday, April 30.

The crash caused a significant amount of damage including the smashed barrier.