A PEDESTRIAN was airlifted to hospital after being seriously injured in a crash - and then allegedly assaulted.

The injured man, aged 22 and from Leigh, was taken by air ambulance to the Royal London Hospital.

His injuries were described as serious, but not life-threatening.

He was allegedly hit by the car and then assaulted by the driver in Manchester Drive, Leigh, shortly before 5.30pm yesterday.

A 23-year-old man from Leigh was arrested on suspicion of GBH and is currently in custody for questioning.

The road was closed until just before 10.30pm while investigative work was carried out.

Witnesses or anyone with information, including anyone with mobile phone footage or CCTV of the incident, are asked to contact Southend CID on 101.

Two ambulances, an ambulance officer, and an air ambulance from the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust treated the man for a suspected fractured pelvis before airlifting him to the Royal London Hospital for further care.

Manchester Drive was cordoned off and guarded by police while specialist forensic officers investigated the scene.

The Essex Air Ambulance landed in the grounds of Westcliff High School for Girls at about 6.15pm.

James Courtenay, Tory councillor for Blenheim Park, has called on drivers to be more responsible amid concerns over speeding.

He said: “It’s a big long road there, and there has been talk of putting in a blanket 20 miles per hour limit in place.

“I don’t really agree with that, and ultimately I think drivers need to adjust to the conditions of the road and the environment. It sounds as though this was further away from the schools.

“I am not sure about the circumstances surrounding this particular incident obviously, but it’s terrible to hear.”

One resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, says he is concerned that drivers are ignoring speed bumps.

He said: “They are there for a reason, and it seems as though people are taking no notice. It’s worrying when you think how busy it is, and something like this happens.”

It also prompted residents to comment about the incident on the Echo’s Facebook page.

Paula Hinds wrote: “I’m glad I missed that as we drove through the aftermath. I wish the man a speedy recovery.”

Wendy Byford wrote: “How awful, what is wrong with people nowadays.”

Witnesses are asked to call Essex Police on 101.