A lengthy police chase through the Forest ended with a driver smashing into a tree and being arrested.

At 7.11pm last night (May 16) Metropolitan Police officers clocked the suspect and began observing his driving from an air support unit.

As he drove out of the Met's jurisdiction and towards Epping Forest, officers on the ground took over from their colleagues in the helicopter.

A chase ensued, which resulted in the suspect's car crashing into a tree on Epping New Road.

He was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis, driving without insurance, failing to stop and dangerous driving at 10.50pm.

A witness to the end of the incident said: "I was there when it happened. It was the scariest thing I have ever faced in my life. I can't actually believe my car didn't get hit.

"An extremely fast police chase ended up with the car smashing into lots of different cars and the police.

"My car was in the middle but somehow didn't get touched.

"The car drove off at high speed and smashed into a tree in the forest."

The crash caused damage to the front of the car. There were no injuries reported.