An alleyway in Greenstead has been cordoned off by police after a machete was spotted and a police car was rammed.

Essex Police are understood to have been in the Scarfe Way area of Colchester since around 11.30pm yesterday evening.

Several police vehicles and a helicopter have been spotted by residents. 

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We are appealing for information following two incidents in Colchester where it was reported someone had been threatened with a machete and a police car was rammed.

"It was reported that three men – two described as being black and one described as having a machete – were seen chasing a man into an alleyway off Avon Way at around 9.45pm on Monday, March 25.

"When officers attended a short time later, a police car was rammed by another vehicle – a dark green Ford Focus - which was leaving Scarfe Way.

"The vehicle headed off towards Hawthorn Way. The Focus was later found abandoned in the Mulberry Avenue.

"At this time we are treating the incidents separately however they could be linked.

"If you saw or heard anything, have any CCTV or dash cam footage, or have any other information please call us on 101 quoting incident 1269 of March 25.

"Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111." 

More to follow.