Warning after new Telford 'crash for cash' claim

James Bennett says he was driving along Castle Farm Way in Priorslee, Telford, on Tuesday when two cars in front slowed suddenly.

The 42-year-old said the two cars were travelling in front of him at about 3pm when the first car turned off sharply. This caused the second car to brake and Mr Bennett to crash into the back of it.

He said: "The road was quiet and I was just going along the road behind two cars just after Junction 4 of the M54. One of the cars then turned off and the other car stopped, but had no brake lights. I went into the back of it.

"Two men got out of the car and had their insurance details at the ready. However, when a few other cars pulled over to see if we were alright they quickly fled the scene.

"I called the police but they can't do anything and told me to contact my insurance company. My car has been completely written off. I have never been in an accident before or even had a bump, so it's quite worrying."

It comes after the Shropshire Star reported last week that Chloe Long, from Madeley, Telford, believed she may have been a victim of the scam when she was involved in a crash at a roundabout on the A5223 in Horsehay on April 2.

The 18-year-old said she had been driving her VW Polo behind a Mini Cooper when the driver suddenly braked and she crashed into the back of the vehicle.

Aimee George, also of Madeley, said she had been involved in a similar accident at the roundabout next to the Cuckoo Oak pub in Madeley. The 20-year-old, who was driving a Renault Clio, said she collided with a VW Golf after the driver braked sharply.

Mr Bennett said: "I wasn't injured and I was safe, but what if a lorry was behind me? It could have ended much worse. I just want to warn people about this as I don't want it happening to anyone else."