FRUSTRATED residents say their lives are being plagued by boy racers who continue to use their streets as a race track.

In the latest in a long line of incidents, three youngsters in a blue Vauxhall Astra fled after the car they were in veered into three parked cars before crashing head-on into a taxi, in Old Heath Road, Colchester.

Police are still searching for the hooded youths after the crash at 11.45pm on Saturday which caused thousands of pounds of damage.

It is understood police officers have been passed the name of the driver of the Astra car.

One Barn Hall estate resident, who the Gazette has agreed not to name, said: “I personally have called the police four times and told them exactly what is going on.

“But they don’t seem to care at all.

“There are a few cars being used.

“That blue Astra is one and there is a blue Fiat as well.”

He added: “If the police don’t start taking it seriously, someone will be killed.

“All it takes is for someone to step into the road without looking - you hope people wouldn’t but they do - and then we’ll have a death on our hands.

“It shouldn’t take that for the police to be interested.”

He added: “On Saturday, it was just be sheer luck no-one was seriously injured.

“There could have been someone in the taxi who was hurt, there could have been someone walking on the pavement.

“It was just luck there wasn’t.

“I’ve got kids and I’ve got to look out for their safety.”

Police have appealed to the public for information on three hooded youths who were spotted running from the scene.

A neighbour who witnessed the crash did give chase but the trio escaped.

A spokesman for Essex Police said responded to the plea for action.

He said: “The driver and occupants of the Astra – reported to have been three young men, wearing hooded tops – all left the scene.

“Officers would like to trace them to speak to them about the incident and encourage anyone with information get in touch.”

Anyone with information on the crash should contact PC Matt Chilvers at the Essex Police Roads Policing Unit on 101.

Alternatively, witnesses can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the website on www.crimestoppers-uk.org.