A woman has been charged with seven offences after a grey Citroen car failed to stop for police and then drove from Witham via Rettendon, Rayleigh and on to Wickford before being stopped.

Ashley Morley, 29, from Montague Street, Basildon, is charged with dangerous driving, no insurance, failing to stop after an accident, assault by beating (against a police officer), no licence, failing to stop when required by police officer and a fraud offence.

She has been detained in police custody prior to her appearance at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

Sally Jane Burrows, 38, of Melcombe Road, Benfleet, has been charged with possession of a knife in a public place. She will also appear at the same court tomorrow.

The man who was arrested has been released without charge.