Yobs have been captured launching fireworks at cars at a busy south Essex junction as police appeal for information.

Essex Police were called to the London Road area, at Tarpots, in Benfleet yesterday evening at around 8:30pm.

This was following a report of people letting off fireworks.

In dashcam footage, seen by the Echo, it shows a firework being launched across the Tarpots junction towards and narrowly missing a number of cars.

Officers did attend the scene and spoke to people in the area, but no fireworks were located.

A passenger in one of the cars, who wishes not to be named, said: “It was very scary to be honest.

“It was a close call for us.

“There needs to be more police presence in this area, and more street lights back on.

“It is dangerous.”

There were also reports around the Halloween period last year of fireworks being launched towards cars at Tarpots.

Andrew Sheldon, Essex County Councillor responsible for South Benfleet, added: “Every year a group of idiots seem determined to put the public at risk and Tarpots seems to be a magnet for it.

“Earlier this year, the Essex Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner, gave a huge amount of money to Castle Point Council to upgrade CCTV around the borough.

“I am calling on Castle Point Council to upgrade the CCTV around the borough and calling on them to upgrade the coverage all around Tarpots.

“It won’t stop people being idiots but the more information that the police can get from CCTV, the easier it is to find them.”

One unconfirmed social media report also stated that a firework was shot towards their window with a baby asleep inside.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called to reports of people letting off fireworks in Benfleet yesterday evening.

“We were called at around 8.30pm to the London Road area. Officers went to the scene and did speak to people in the area, but no fireworks were found.

“Anyone with information or footage of any incidents should contact us as soon as possible.

“Please cite incident 1169 of Wednesday, October 30.”

Dave Blackwell, leader of the Castle Point Council, said: “This is a significant investment into the safety and security of all residents in the Borough, with key areas of anti-social behaviour being targeted.

“The Council is working with partners to on the implementation of the upgraded CCTV and can confirm that key areas will be covered, including the Tarpots area.”