POLICE are set to interview a driver after he crashed into a fire engine that was attending a 999 call.

James Hore

POLICE are set to interview a driver after he crashed into a fire engine that was attending a 999 call.

The 47-year-old crashed his Vauxhall Zafira into the stationary engine which had been called to attend a chimney fire at a house near Chelmsford.

The car had been spotted driving in an unusual manner and a police patrol car was following it when the accident happened.

Essex Police stressed that there had not been a pursuit and said the collision happened at only about 20mph because the Zafira had a puncture.

No firefighters were in their engine when the car crashed into the back of it, but they rushed to give first aid to the driver who comes from the south of the county.

The driver was rushed to Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford and has been detained following the accident in Main Road, Margaretting, but was later transferred to the Royal London Hospital.

The accident happened at about 6.40pm on Saturday and the fire engine, from Ingatestone, was outside the property with its blue lights flashing.

A spokeswoman for Essex Police said the driver had been arrested on suspicion of driving whilst under the influence of drink and, or, drugs.

It is not clear how long he will remain in hospital but the Harold Hill man's injuries are understood to be serious.

The car collided with the back of the fire truck, causing serious damage to the pumping equipment.

An Essex County Fire and Rescue Service spokesman confirmed the vehicle would be off the road whilst the repairs are carried out.

A crew from Chelmsford, which was also attending the blaze, continued to tackle the fire whilst the man was given first aid.