Residents had a rude awakening after a Mini Cooper lost control and was involved in a collision with a garden wall.

Police were called in the early hours of yesterday after the hot hatchback came to an abrupt rest outside a block of flats in Mersea Road, off Meyrick Crescent, Colchester.

The 26-year-old man driving walked away from the wreckage of the car unscathed, only to then come face-to-face with officers.

Police say they are now investigating the man in connection with a suspected incident. The car had to be towed from the scene by a recovery truck.