Abberton Reservoir crash sparks police investigation

Police officers are investigating an incident at Abberton Reservoir after receiving reports a white BMW ploughed through railings and mounted the grass verge next to the B1026.

The wetland site is famed for its international importance for wildfowl, as well as welcoming up to 40,000 visiting ducks, swans and geese each year.

Essex Police is now appealing for witnesses and anyone with footage to come forward following the crash on Sunday evening.

Skidmarks - cars drove 'anti-socially' at the beauty spot (Image: Essex Police)

“We received a call at 6.30pm to reports a white BMW had been in collision with the railings and gone on to the grass verge,” a spokesman said.

“We believe a number of vehicles had been driven anti-socially in the build up to the incident, including a motorbike which failed to stop for our officers when directed.

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“Officers are now investigating the circumstances which led up to the collision and carrying out inquiries to locate the motorbike.

“If you saw anything, have any dash cam or other footage, or have any other information in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”

Investigation - police are probing a crash at Abberton Reservoir (Image: Essex Police)

The incident follows the police being handed extra powers to tackle boy racers across Colchester under major new legislation.

A three year Public Space Protection Order was introduced across the whole city last September.

It means criminal action can be taken against motorists causing a nuisance including car racing, engine revving, stunts and amplified music.

So far, four fines and 85 warning letters have been issued by the council in relation to the PSPO.

Anti-social - marks left in Smeaton Close (Image: Newsquest)

A council spokesman said: “The behaviour of boy racers in and around Colchester is unacceptable.

“We are extremely concerned about the impact this dangerous, criminal and anti-social behaviour can have not only on the safety of our communities, but on the drivers themselves.

“We will continue to work closely with the police to address this issue and enforce the PSPO to its fullest extent.”

He added: “The safety of our community is our top priority, and we will not tolerate dangerous driving on our streets.”

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