A MAN has claimed he saw a UFO while driving through Basildon early yesterday morning.

Graham Hearson said: "I saw flashing red lights in the sky. It was literally above my head."

Mr Hearson said the mystery object looked like a triangle or a square that had its sides pushed on.

He had been driving home from work in London to Southend about 5am when he claims the craft hovered silently past, just after the A130 turn-off to Wickford, and continued on to Benfleet.

Police had not received any other sightings.

A spokesman for London Southend Airport said no flights had been operating at that time and no unusual aircraft were in the area.

If you think you saw the UFO, contact The Echo on 01268 469 409.