People living near the site of a fatal crash described how their homes shook when the accident happened.

Five people have been arrested – including one for escaping custody – after the crash in Blue Mills Hill in Wickham Bishops.

Police were called shortly after 11pm yesterday after the incident between a silver Ford Fiesta and a black BMW 520.

Both vehicles had left the road and the Fiesta had come to rest in a hedge.

Sadly, the driver of the Fiesta, a man in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 21-year-old man, from Terling, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision, failing to report a collision, perverting the course of justice, and escaping lawful custody.

An 18-year-old woman from Witham, an 18 year-old woman from Colchester, and a 17 year-old boy from Maldon were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink or drug driving.

A 54-year-old woman from Terling has now been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All five remain in custody.

One resident who lives near Blue Mills Hill said the crash shook his house.

He said: “When we moved here in 1975, you could park your car on the road because it was a nice quiet country lane.

“What happened there last night shook this house, I had never experienced anything like it.”

Essex Police said the road is expected to remain closed until this evening and advised people to find alternative routes.

Police are also continuing to appeal for witnesses.

If you have any information please call us on 101 quoting incident 1405 of October 10 or email collision.appeals@essex.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.