A man has been airlifted to hospital in a serious condition after being hit by a car.

The crash happened near Bournes Green Chase, Southend at about 4pm last night outside DW Fitness and is believed to have involved a pedestrian and a blue BMW.

The ambulance service dispatched an ambulance crew, an ambulance officer, a rapid response vehicle and an Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

A spokesman said: "We received a call yesterday at 4.11pm to reports of an road traffic collision involving a pedestrian on Wakering Road in Southend.

"At the scene, a man, believed to be in his early 20s, was treated for a serious head injury and was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital for further care in a serious condition."

The police have been contacted for comment.