A CAR travelling the wrong way down a road sparked a police chase.

Four people were in a Vauxhall Corsa being driven down Westborough Road, in Westcliff, when officers spotted them driving in the wrong direction.

As the car stopped in Westbourne Grove, Westcliff, two men jumped out of the vehicle and ran off.

The Essex Police helicopter was scrambled and the dog unit rushed to the area to search for the men, just after midnight on Wednesday.

Units stood down after an intense search failed to find the men. Meanwhile, a 23-year-old man from Southend and a 25- year-old man from Harlow, who were still in the vehicle, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon, after a police search of the car.

They have been bailed until December 17.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to help them trace the two suspects who ran off.

A spokesman said: “A silver Vauxhall Corsa initially failed to stop in Westborough Road when it was seen to be travelling in the wrong direction.

“It then stopped in Westbourne Grove and two people were arrested. Another two ran away from the scene and an area search, including the Essex Police helicopter, was conducted, but they were not found.

“A 23-year-old man from Southend and a 25-year-old man from Harlow were arrested and are in custody having been arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon following a search of the vehicle.

“Any witnesses that saw anybody running away should call Essex Police on 101.”