A TEENAGER was left fighting for his life after a crash in which five people were injured.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving and driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs after the collision between a Ford Fiesta and an Audi A4.

The crash happened just before 9.25pm on Wednesday in London Road, Great Horkesley.

Four people were trapped inside the Fiesta and Essex Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene at around 9.30pm.

Firefighters were forced to cut the roof from the vehicle and then worked with paramedics to safely release the casualties from the car.

They were then left in the care of the ambulance service.

The driver of the Fiesta, an 18-year-old from Colchester, was rushed to hospital having suffered a head injury.

He remains in hospital in what has been described by police as a life-threatening condition.

Three other people were in the vehicle with him and two teenage boys, who are both from the area, also remain in hospital with multiple serious injuries.

The other teenage boy inside the Fiesta suffered minor injuries and is recovering at home.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “The Audi driver, a 23-year-old local man, was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

“He remains in custody for questioning.

“A passenger in the Audi, a 23-year-old woman from Sudbury, was taken to hospital with arm injuries and is now recovering at home.”

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the accident to contact them.

The spokesman added: “We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision and are looking to speak to any drivers who were in the area at the time and either saw what happened or have any dash cam footage.”

Essex Police would also like to hear from anyone who has CCTV footage from the scene around the time the crash took place.

Anyone who can help should contact PC Paul Barry at Stanway Roads Policing Unit on 101, quoting incident 1197 of 15/01 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.