A learner driver who became embroiled in a high-speed police chase was today urged to contact detectives.

The driver and his instructor narrowly escaped serious injury after they were nearly shunted off the road by a car thief.

The pair were half way through a three-point turn when the routine manoeuvre was interrupted by a speeding pack of cars and a pursuing police car.

Police believe the learner driver would have been shaken up by the incident and have asked him to come forward as a witness.

A red Ford Escort RS Turbo was stolen from High Barrets, Pitsea, on February 6. It was seen travelling with two others cars, one possibly a white Daewoo, along the A130 towards Sadlers Farm in the early evening with no headlights on.

Police gave chase into Benfleet and the driver of the Daewoo swerved to force the pursing chasing police car off the road. The three cars came across the learner driver and his instructor in Woodside Avenue.

A police spokesman said: "He had a near miss with a learner driver who was driving a small car attempting a three-point turn.

"The driver of the police vehicle stated that it was very close and will probably stick out in the memory of both the learner and the driving instructor.

"We do not know the colour or make, but believe it to be a small car."

The RS Turbo collided with a parked car in Manor Road but continued up to Hazlemere Road, crossing the A13, before hitting a lamp post and fence in Albion Road.

Two men were arrested in connection with the chase but police still need more witnesses.

If you saw the chase or were the learner driver and his instructor contact Basildon police on 01268 532212.

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