A BIKER was flown to hospital with serious injuries after a crash which shut a major Southend road for hours.

Emergency services dashed to the scene of the crash at the junction between Eastern Avenue and Bournemouth Park Road yesterday morning.

The police were called at around 8.40am, and the road remained closed for the entire morning and into the afternoon.

It was reported that a motorcycle and a red Toyota RAV-4 had been involved in the crash.

Pictures from the scene showed the devastating damage to the vehicles, including the bashed front end of the car, and twisted wheel of the motorcycle.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “The motorcyclist, a man in his 20s, has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

“We would like to hear from anyone who has any information about the incident particularly those with dash cam footage or CCTV of the area.”

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: “Two ambulances, an ambulance officer vehicle and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance were called to Bournemouth Park Road this morning following reports of a motorcyclist injured in a road traffic collision.

“One man with serious injuries was transported by air ambulance to The Royal London Hospital.”

Residents were shocked at the news.

Danielle Smith wrote on Facebook: “This is exactly where my partner had his crash 5/6 years ago.

“Was very distressing for him to drive past on his way to work that morning. Hoping the guy has a speedy recovery.”

Catherine Warner said: “Nightmare junction, cars come round the bend too fast, you either wait or take a chance, madness.”

Drivers were told to avoid the area for the entire day while the scene was examined.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 quoting incident 223 of Tuesday July 21 or report it online at essex.police.uk.

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.