think i found my problem one of my rear torsion bars has just SNAPPED !! . In all the years messing about with escorts i have never known one to snap i was luckly i was driving in a staight line at the time (very scary) i would recomend everyone to check theres (but having said that my car is 24 years old)

I HOPE YOU DONT LEARN THE HARD WAY
https://passionford.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=166336