A police officer has said it was a miracle no one died in a three-vehicle crash last night and reiterated the force’s message not to drink and drive.

It happened in Market Place, Great Dunmow at around 6.45pm yesterday.

Two crews of firefighters, from Great Dunmow and Leaden Roding, were called to the scene to cut a man free from his vehicle, a Volkswagen Polo.

He was later taken to Broomfield Hospital for treatment.

The other vehicles involved were a Kia Rio and a stationary Vauxhall Vivaro van.

The van driver, aged 52 from the Dunmow area, sustained minor head injuries after being knocked to the ground as he returned to his vehicle.

A 22-year-old man also from the Dunmow area was arrested by police on suspicion of drink driving. He was released on bail pending further enquiries.

Sergeant Colin Shead from Chelmsford Roads Policing Unit said: “It is a miracle that no one was killed.

“The force of the impact knocked the Kia up onto the pavement before continuing and colliding with the van.

“Other nearby pedestrians were so lucky that they too weren’t struck.

“It is clear that the message of not drinking and driving is not getting through to some people.”