A driver who swerved to avoid a man who smashed his car into a wall and died believes he is lucky to be alive.

John Collins, from Rochester, was driving along Weller Avenue, Rochester when he saw a police car pursuing a motorist.

In a split second, he managed to pull into a space as the Ford Focus and patrol car went past at what he estimated was 50mph.

Mr Collins, 32, said: “If that space had not been there, I think I would have either been seriously injured or died in the collision.

“I looked into his face and saw his determined look. He was a man on a mission. I was probably the last person to look into his eyes while he was alive.”

Mr Collins, a town planner, was shaken up but not injured after being caught up in the chase on Saturday night.

He said: “I saw what happened, but continued on my journey to my sports club where I was going for a swim. I think I was in shock.”

He has since given a statement to police.

Officers had given chase after the driver – Peter O’Reilly, who was in his 40s and lived in Luton – failed to stop for them in Delce Road, Rochester.

The married father-of-two eventually smashed through the wall outside the Watts Charity almshouses at the junction of Rochester Avenue, just before 7pm.

Despite efforts from emergency crews, who administered CPR, Mr O’Reilly was pronounced dead at the scene. The air ambulance was called, but not needed.