POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a smash that closed Eastern Avenue, Southend, for four hours on Friday evening.

The accident occurred at 6.15pm on Friday, July 11 at the junction of Eastern Avenue and Fossetts Way.

A grey Audi A5 was in collision with a red Ford Fiesta and it is believed a third, dark coloured vehicle, may have been involved but left the scene.

Both driver and passenger of the Audi, men in their twenties from the Southend area, received minor injuries.

The 59-year-old male driver of the Fiesta, who also lives in Southend, did not appear to sustain any injuries.

The road was blocked until 10.30pm while the two vehicles were removed.

Pc Steve Catton, of Southend response and patrol, said: "I would ask anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have seen the vehicles driving along the A127 on the approach to Southend, to contact police.

“The cars may have been on A127 near Rochford Road and Hobleythick Lane just before the time of the incident.”

Witnesses or anyone with any information are asked to contact Pc Catton at Southend on Essex Police 101.