A 65-year-old woman is fighting for her life and an 11-year-old girl seriously injured after a hit-and-run.

Police have since arrested a 25-year-old, who lives in Basildon, on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, drink-driving, driving while unfit through drink or drugs, failing to stop after an accident and driving without insurance.

The pair were hit by a dark grey Mercedes A-Class in Coronation Avenue, East Tilbury, at about 8.20am yesterday.

Both have been taken to hospital.

The woman was described as being in a critical condition - and the girl was described as suffering serious injuries.

The incident is believed to have happened at the junction of Coronation Avenue, and Strathmore.

The car failed to stop and was later found abandoned in Mucking Wharf Road, Stanford-le-Hope.

The 25-year-old man from Basildon was arrested at the Five Bells roundabout in Fobbing.

He is currently in custody being questioned by officers.

Meanwhile, residents in the area spoke of their shock and horror at such a serious incident happening in their neighbourhood.

One, who asked not to be named, said: “I didn’t see what happened.

“But I did see the emergency services on the scene, and it was hugely upsetting when I found out what had happened.

“I don’t really know how it has happened, this is a quiet little area and I don’t remember us having a crash like this, ever before in my life.

“It is a small road that just loops around, so we don’t get many cars apart from those driven by the people who live here.

“I will be thinking of both the lady and the young girl this evening.

“I really hope they both make a full recovery and police get to the bottom of why this happened and catch the person who was driving.”

Police are urgently appealing for information particularly from anyone who saw the car before or after the collision.

Or anyone who saw the man who was later arrested on foot in the Mucking Wharf Road area. Police also want to speak to anyone who captured dash cam footage. Contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01245 240590 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk Or, to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800555111, or visit crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online.