Man held after fire engine crash

A man was arrested after a car being followed by police crashed into the back of a fire engine in Essex.

Firefighters were fighting a chimney fire at a house in Roman Road, Margaretting when the crash happened.

Police said the 47-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

He was taken to Broomfield Hospital after Saturday's crash with serious injuries but was later transferred to Royal London Hospital.

Essex Fire Service said the engine suffered "extensive damage". A second fire crew continued fighting the fire.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: "At 6.30pm last night a Vauxhall failed to stop for police at Ingatestone in Essex.

First aid

"It then drove up the old A12 towards Margaretting.

"At about 6.40pm it collided with the rear of a fire engine."

A spokesman for the fire service said the damaged fire engine was from the Ingatestone station.

He said: "No firefighters were injured as a result of the collision.

"Crews gave first aid to the injured man and he was left in the care of the police and ambulance services," he added.