POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a road crash outside a pharmacy in Westcliff after a van driver failed to remain at the scene.

A motorcyclist sustained cuts and bruises after being forced to slide his bike when a van suddenly pulled out on him on Hamlet Court Road in Westcliff at 8:30am this morning.

The 38-year-old local man was treated at the scene by paramedics for cuts and bruises.

Investigating officer PC Matt Geldart said: "We know there were a lot of bystanders and people walking by when this motorcyclist ended up on the floor.

"We would like each and every one of them to contact us so that we can piece together their information to identify the van and locate its driver.”

The van is described as white, unsigned and slightly smaller than a Transit.

Any witnesses are urged to contact road policing officers at Southend police station on 101.