VILLAGERS are in shock following a nasty car crash in Mayland.

Shortly after 5pm on Sunday, a crash took place on Steeple Road in the middle of the village involving two cars and a van.

The incident took place next to the Zara Indian Restaurant. Nearby residents said they heard a “monumental” crash which left two vehicles heavily damaged in the restaurant’s layby.

No one was reportedly injured.

Steeple Road resident Atcharanan, who asked not to disclose her second name, said: “I heard a huge amount of bangs and scrapes on Sunday evening, it was right outside our house. It was really scary.

“I came out and saw two cars pulled up in front of the restaurant, they both looked very badly damaged.”

Lisa Blenman, who lives opposite the scene, said: “It seemed to be a really nasty crash, I didn’t see it happen but heard an awful splintering and shattering sound.

“I went out to have a look and there was a silver and black car pulled over in front of Zara. They were there for quite a while, the black car’s back door was hanging off.

“Unfortunately this kind of thing does happen quite often down these roads. We have a 40 mile an hour limit going through the village, but a lot of people don’t pay attention to it.

“They really should, as its people like the victims of this crash who suffer as a result. I hope the driver who left comes forward.”

Amanda Gleeson, a fellow Mayland resident, said: “I came by shortly after 5.30 and saw the wrecks of both cars, it’s a horrible situation and I wish they didn’t happen in our village.

“I sincerely hope the van driver is caught or turns himself in, anyone with a sense of decency would do.”

Resident Graham Bennett added: “Another example of speeding drivers not caring for other road users. They fly through Steeple Road at weekends, it’s ridiculous. This incident shows it’s 40 for a reason.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Police were contacted just after 5pm on Sunday, August 21 with reports of a collision on Steeple Road, Mayland. It involved a grey Ford Fiesta and a white van which left the scene.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.”