MOTORISTS who desperately tried in vain to save a crash victim have been praised for their efforts.

Drivers stopped and rushed to aid the cyclist after the smash on Canvey.

Four men, on their way to work, pulled over following the accident between a car and the cyclist in Canvey Road, Canvey.

It happened at about 6.10am last Friday.

Police were contacted by the ambulance service after a Volvo Estate and a cyclist collided.

Sadly the 43-year-old, who lives on Canvey, died at the scene.

The commuters jumped out of their vans and ran to the biker’s side and started life saving CPR.

While two of the men sat with the stricken man, desperately trying to revive him, the other two helped to direct traffic to prevent another crash from happening.

Peter Greig, Canvey Island Independent Party councillor for Winter Gardens, said these four men should be highly commended for what they did that day.

He added: “Some times people would prefer to not get involved and may step aside. Turn a blind eye.

“This could be down to fear of not knowing what to do or also perhaps a concern about making things worse for the victim involved.

“I think what these people have done is amazing and they deserve high praise.

“I also would like to see more people knowing how to perform CPR so that there is better understanding of what can be done in an emergency like this one.

“Sadly, in this case, the CPR did not work.

“But in the future it could save someone’s life.”

The crash caused traffic chaos as other drivers, commuters and islanders were left stranded - and could not get off the island.

Three men - aged 19, 32 and 24 - were later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. All three were in the Volvo Estate.

They have now been released under investigation.

Anyone who witnessed, or has dash cam footage of the collision, is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01245 240590 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk