Officers are investigating a serious crash in Southend this morning have arrested a man in his twenties.

Officers were called to Royal Artillery Way at around 7.40am following a crash involving one car and three ride-on lawnmowers. 

Emergency services including air ambulance were in attendance. 

Two people have been taken to hospital with serious injuries. The first person was taken to Southend Hospital with the second airlifted to Royal London Hospital. 

A 24-year-old man from Benfleet has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drink/drugs. 

Police remain at the scene.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything or have any dashcam footage to contact us, quoting incident number 187 of 19 April. 

"You can let us know by submitting a report online or by using our live chat service.

"Live chat is an online service available on our website Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, between 10am and 9pm, where you can send and receive real-time direct messages with an online digital 101 operator.

"To use the service, select the live chat icon at the bottom right of your screen when you're on our website. It can be accessed from a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.

"Alternatively you can call us on 101."