A FEMALE casualty has been air lifted to the Royal London Hospital following a crash on Southend seafront this afternoon.

A Ford Ka hit a lamp post in the central island outside Adventure Island at 3pm, tearing off the front bumper and causing substantial damage to the bonnet and side panels on the driver's side.

Police have cordoned off Western Esplanade and traffic is being diverted up Pier Hill.

The air ambulance was also called to the incident.

The ambulance service said they treated two patients at the scene, a male and female, both elderly.

"Both male and female patients were conscious and breathing. The female patient was treated for serious head injuries and has been air lifted to Royal London Hospital."