A BIKER has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after a crash in a busy Southend road.

Police and ambulance crews rushed to the scene, in Victoria Avenue, Southend, yesterday evening after the crash took place outside Roots Hall football stadium.

The crash involved a Kawasaki motorbike and a Vauxhall Mokka and left both drivers injured.

Witnesses reported the air ambulance landing in the nearby Priory Park.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were called at 5.20pm on Saturday, January 12 with reports of a collision involving a Kawasaki motorbike and a Vauxhall Mock in Victoria Avenue, Southend.

"The motorcyclist, a 40-year-old man from Shoebury, was taken to hospital with serious arm and leg injuries.

"A passenger in the car, a 35-year-old woman from Southend, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

"The road was closed until 7.25pm while emergency services were at the scene.

"Enquiries are ongoing. Witnesses are asked to call Chigwell Roads Policing Unit on 101."