An elderly man is fighting for his life after being hit by a minibus in Westcliff this afternoon.

Police were called to St Helens Road around 4.10pm today (Tuesday, November 9) amid reports a pedestrian had been injured in a collision with a vehicle.

The pedestrian, a man in his 80s, has been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A man has been arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of causing injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs.

He remains in custody.

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A police spokesman said: “The road remains closed and we anticipate it will remain shut until later tonight.

“Please avoid the area if you can and use alternative routes.

“If you witnessed the collision, have dash cam footage or have any information that may help our investigation, please submit a report online.”

Visit www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

Please quote incident 705 of 9 November.

You can also police us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.