Two teenagers have been arrested after a car crash in Essex left five pedestrians with serious injuries.

Police, paramedics and air ambulances were called to Furtherwick Road, Canvey, following reports of a serious collision at 4.10pm on Saturday.

A blue BMW 120D is reported to have crashed into five male pedestrians before the car’s two occupants abandoned the car and fled the scene.

Essex Police said it was later discovered the BMW had been reported stolen.

A 17-year-old boy and 18-year-old man, both from Canvey, have been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident and driving while unfit through drink or drugs. The 18-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking, theft of a motor vehicle, and driving without insurance.

Both remain in custody for questioning.

Five young Canvey men were treated at the scene for serious injuries before being taken to hospitals across Essex and London.

The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance said two of its helicopters attended.

“Our thoughts are with the patients and crew involved,” it tweeted.

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust said staff worked with police to treat casualties and make the area safe. It said one casualty was flown to hospital in a critical condition, while another suffered potentially life-changing leg injury.

Three remain in hospital and two have been released. None of the injuries are thought to be life threatening.

Essex Police has refuted rumours officers had been in pursuit of the BMW when the crash happened.

However, the the matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Complaints under the criteria of there being an indirect link between police being in the area and the incident.

Anyone with information or dash cam or mobile phone footage is asked to contact Dc Natacha Brown in the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01245 240590 quoting reference 770 of April 14 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.