POLICE are appealing for information after a car collided with a road sign that had been pulled up and left in the middle of a country road.

A woman was driving a Vauxhall Astra along the B1035 in Mistley towards Horsley Cross at 9.30pm on Saturday, January 9 when she approached the junction with Dead Lane.

A road sign for Dead Lane – including the metal posts and concrete – had been uprooted and left in the road on a left hand bend.

The driver, a 50-year-old woman from Manningtree, was unable to stop in time and the car collided with the debris.

It caused damage to the front wheels and underside.

Investigating officer PC Jon Haslip said: "We believe the sign was deliberately uprooted and left in the road.

"Fortunately the driver was not injured, however the consequences could have been far more serious and she had a lucky escape.

"I am appealing for witnesses who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time, or anyone with information that would lead to identifying the persons responsible, to contact me.”

It is not being linked to other incidents in Tiptree, in which debris was left in a number of roads last month.

Anyone with information should contact PC Haslip at Stanway Roads Policing Unit on 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org