A DAD has been left with a life-changing injuries after being victim of a hit-and-run incident on Canvey.

The victim, a 45-year-old man, was struck by car on Smallgains Avenue at roughly 1am in the morning as he exited a cab on the street.

According to the family, the car fled the scene as the victim was thrown to the ground by the impact.

His wife, who has asked for the family not to be named, came rushing out of their home to find him in the road, in agony, as she rushed him to Basildon Hospital.

He underwent reconstructive surgery on Tuesday, following the incident on Sunday morning, but the family have been told the injuries with has life-long impact.

The wife said: “He was seen in A&E by the Basildon trauma team where specialists explained that he needed surgery to put his ankle back together.

“He then had surgery on Tuesday, where he had his ankle rebuilt after it was smashed to pieces.

“This was done with bone grafts, a plate, and screws.

“He now needs to have his left leg elevated higher than his hip for two weeks, where his stitches will then be removed, and he will be put in a full plaster cast for six weeks.

“If it is healing correctly, it is then an air boot for another six weeks.

“Once this is complete, he will have to rebuild his leg muscles again, learning to walk through extensive physio.

“He lost all the cartilage in the ankle, so this will bring on arthritis in that area too.

“We are in shock.”

His wife has been desperately appealing to find witnesses and footage of the incident.

The hit-and-run has also been reported to Essex Police, who have been contacted for comment by the Echo.

She added: “This has impacted us in every way possible.

“He isn’t able to work, and it is unknown how long he will have to have off.

“I am unable to work at present now to ensure I am able to help and care for him.

“This shock and realisation has only just started to set in.

“This has knocked us and our family massively, physically, emotionally, and mentally; it will affect us for a long time.

“We are so angry that they would drive off, knowing they had hit someone.”

Anyone with information on the reported hit-and-run should contact Essex Police.