A PEDESTRIAN was taken to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a van in a crash which closed a road more for more than six hours.

Leather Lane, off Chichester Road in Southend city centre, was closed from 11.35am yesterday morning after reports of a serious crash.

Essex Police confirmed officers had been called to the scene after reports of a pedestrian being hit by a van.

According to AA Traffic News, part of the area was closed off for more than six hours while emergency services investigated the incident.

No arrests have been made at this stage, however Essex Police has urged any witnesses to come forward urgently.

Daniel Cowan, leader of Southend Council, said: “We implore witnesses or anyone with information to come forward to help the police.

“We hope the pedestrian makes a full recovery, and our thoughts are with their family at this difficult time.”

The road remained partially closed yesterday as the Echo went to print.

A spokesman for Essex Police added: “We were called to reports of a collision involving a van and a pedestrian shortly before 11.35am yesterday morning to Leather Lane, Southend.

“The pedestrian has been taken to hospital with serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment. Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing.

“Anyone with information should contact us as soon as possible.

“You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

“It can be found at the bottom right of our homepage at www.essex.police.uk.

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

“Quote incident 343 of September 17.”

Alternatively, you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.