A PEDESTRIAN has been seriously hurt in a suspected hit-and-run, police say.

Essex Police shut Purfleet Road in Aveley following a road crash during the early hours of this morning.

Police say they were called shortly before 1.40am with reports that a pedestrian, a man aged in his 50s, had been seriously injured after being hit by a vehicle in Purfleet Road.

The vehicle did not stop following the collision, police add.

The man has been taken to hospital with serious and possibly life-changing injuries.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We would like to hear from anyone who has any information about the incident, particularly those who were in the area around the time and witnessed the collision or have dash cam footage. Please call 101, quoting incident 85 of February 23."

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.