A RESIDENT has told of his horror after his car was rammed into railings by a police car, believed to be on route to an emergency incident.

Although just battling a few bruised ribs, the driver, a 69-year-old man from Canvey, was shaken by the incident, but left thankful that no-one was injured.

Police have told the driver that the car had its emergency lights on at the time, but he admits he did not hear or see them approaching as he began to turn into Linden Way, from Long Road, Canvey.

Despite numerous requests from the Echo , police are yet to confirm what the car was doing at the time of incident.

Although the driver’s car has been written off, he admitted he was just happy no-one was standing on the corner, fearing they would almost definitely have been killed by the crash.

The driver said: “I just have a few badly bruised ribs, which will heal.

“The police are saying his lights were on, I didn’t see them and I definitely didn’t hear them.

“I suppose it was just a badly timed accident.

“I was turning into Linden Way from Long Road, there was a car coming out of the road opposite that I was aware of, there was nothing coming towards me the other way.

“I slowed down, basically stopped, went to turn right and he ploughed into me.

“Both cars are written off, mine definitely is and his is quite damaged.

“It was a lot of force, I was pushed right off the road and slammed into the railings.”

The driver admitted it is a huge relief no-one was stand - ing on the street corner, especially since Long Road is one of the main streets through the island.

He said: “It is a shame, I definitely didn’t see him, but maybe he should have seen me. They are advanced drivers, I don’t know if they should just assume that I have seen them, I was indicating, should they not have seen me?

“It doesn’t really matter who is at fault, I am just so grateful no-one was hurt.

“It could have been so much worse, it is a busy road, if someone had been standing on the corner I think they would have been killed.

“It is a horrible thought and not one I will get over easily.”