A WESTCLIFF man was among seven people suspected of drink driving as part of an Essex Police pre-Christmas crackdown.

The 44-year-old Range Rover driver was arrested after a crash at Marine Parade, Southend, at around 6pm last Thursday.

He failed to provide a specimen of breath for analysis and will appear before Southend Magistrates Court on January 7.

Figures compiled for up to last Thursday showed 217 people were tested at the roadside, with six other people failing - just 2.8 per cent of those stopped.

Adam Pipe, casualty reduction manager, said: "While the percentage of those found drink driving is similar to previous years I am shocked by the drivers we have stopped who are heavily intoxicated and behind the wheel of a car. It is frightening to think what devastation they could have caused.

"Anyone who knows someone who regularly drinks and drives should report them to Essex Police on 101 or they can give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."