Shocked residents have spoken out about their upset after a man was killed in a suspected hit-and-run in the early hours of the morning in Southend.

Investigating officers are urgently appealing for help to find the driver and car involved after it fled the scene at 2am yesterday morning in Southchurch Road, Southend.

The male pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services, police revealed yesterday.

The force is now urgently trying to locate the car involved, but have so far only been able to describe it as “light in colour”.

A grandmother-of-two, living in the nearby Dalmatia Road, Southend said: “I think it’s dreadful and especially just before Christmas too.

“My thoughts are with the family at this time and I hope they are getting all the support and help they need. We don’t get things like this happening around here very often.”

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A large cordon was put in place by officers following the crash, with part of the road closed off until roughly 6.30am.

The busy road reopened shortly before the morning rush hour, with the cordon removed. However, a police car stayed at the scene for several extra hours.

A father-of-two, of Dalmatia Road, added: “I am very sorry to hear of this and think it is heartbreaking. I can’t quite believe it and think it’s awful.

“I feel sorry for the family of this man and I find it disgusting someone would leave the scene after doing something like this.

“I hope the police find this person and deal with them very soon.”

Anyone with information has been urged to contact police immediately.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Enquiries are ongoing and the road is expected to remain partially closed for a number of hours.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything or could have any dashcam or CCTV which could assist with this investigation to contact us.

“You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday between 10am to 9pm.

“Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

“Alternatively you can call us on 101. In an emergency always call 999. Please quote incident 37 of December 21 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”