A CAR smashed through a pair of gates before crashing into a bush.

Essex Police were called at around 9.40am on Monday after reports that a Ford Focus had crashed into the gates at the edge of Southchurch Park on Park Lane in Southend.

The driver reportedly left the scene soon after the crash.

Police are investigating the incident and have called for any witnesses to come forward with information.

Paul Crowder was out walking his dog near the park when the crash happened, posting on Facebook that he "nearly died" as the car just missed him when crashing.

Call 101 with information quoting incident 268 of February 4.