A TEENAGER has suffered life-changing injuries after being hit by a bus in Shoebury.
The incident took place shortly after 3pm yesterday, in North Shoebury Road near the Asda Superstore.
It is understood the boy was hit on the back of the head by the bus wing mirror, and the driver failed to stop after the incident.
An air ambulance was seen landing in the park near the road.
The road was closed off with traffic at a standstill, and bus routes being diverted.
Essex Police have arrested a man and have now launched an appeal for information.
A force spokesman said: “We are appealing for information after a bus and teenager collided in Shoebury on Tuesday.
“We were called at 3.15pm following an incident in North Shoebury Road, Shoebury, which saw a 17-year-old boy taken to hospital with serious life-changing injuries.
“We have arrested a 47-year-old man from Southend on suspicion of dangerous driving and he remains in custody.”
Reports online stated the road was completely closed while the air ambulance landed in the park nearby.
Other motorists reportedly stopped to help the boy after the bus drove away.
One witness at the scene said: “It looked like it was a very serious head injury. The bus drove off and others stopped to help.
“He was just lying there. I really hope he’s okay.”
A spokesman for the ambulance service said: “We were called at 3.12pm with reports of a collision in Shoebury Road.
“We sent one ambulance, an ambulance officer, rapid response vehicle and the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
“A teenager was taken to hospital for further treatment.”
The bus involved in the crash is believed to be from Arriva.
A bus from that firm was subsequently stopped by police and cordoned off in Chichester Road, Southend. A man was then arrested.
Gavin Hunter Area MD for Arriva Herts & Essex said: “We can confirm that an Arriva bus has been involved in an incident on North Shoebury Road this afternoon.
“Our immediate priority is assisting the emergency services and our thoughts are with those affected.
“Our own internal investigation into the incident is also underway.”
Call Chigwell Roads Policing Unit on 101 quoting 691 of 26/02 with information.
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