A POLICE chase in Colchester’s Dutch Quarter has sparked fresh calls for action in the historic part of the city.
It is understood a man got out of a car and made off on foot with the police on his tail in East Stockwell Street on Sunday.
The car then sped off down the narrow road as a police car giving chase arrived in hot pursuit just seconds later at about 11.25am.
Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell said the man sprinted through Quakers Alley before turning left into West Stockwell Street towards High Street.
The former MP was hosting a heritage walk at the time and said his group was able to inform officers of the fugitive’s route.
“I was gathered at the end of East Stockwell Street next to Quakers Alley pointing out the former St Martin’s Church school,” said Sir Bob.
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“All of a sudden this bloke runs down and roars into Quakers Alley and within split seconds a car comes down.
“This is, of course, a very narrow road and so we parted to the side as the driver then shot off.
“He couldn’t have been out of sight when the police arrived and my guess is he must have turned into William’s Walk.
“It was all over in a matter of seconds.”
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It follows a number of calls for more action to be taken to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the Dutch Quarter.
An Essex Police spokesman previously stated it has a “range of teams” in Colchester dealing with the issue head on in a bid to crackdown on low-level crime.
Castle ward councillor Mark Goacher said at the time he has received reports of known drug dealers roaming the streets in groups while illicit deals have been made in plain view.
Sir Bob echoed further calls for an increased police presence.
“Regrettably illegal drug activity is a major problem in the residential streets of the Dutch Quarter, which seems to be a hotbed for this behaviour,” he added.
“I have witnessed several occasions of drug dealing.”
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