A MOTORBIKE rider has been airlifted to hospital in a critical condition after a crash.

The incident on the slip road from Runwell Road, Wickford to the A130 saw the highway be closed by the police.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were called to reports of a collision in Wickford shortly before 8.55am this morning.

"A man in his 30s was reported to have come off his motorbike on the slip road for the A130.

"He has been airlifted to hospital in critical condition. 

"The closure on the A130 has now been lifted, but the closure on the slip road remains.

"Those wishing to travel using Rettendon Turnpike towards South Woodham Ferrers or Wickford will need to use the old A130."