A YOUNG female cyclist has sustained serious injuries after being airlifted to hospital following a accident in Aveley yesterday afternoon.

The crash between the cyclist - a girl in her early teens - and a Red Ford Fiesta happened in London Road shortly after 3.30pm.

The girl suffered a serious head injury and was anaesthetised at the scene by ambulance crews before being flown to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.

Her injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Parts of London Road and Tank Hill Road were closed yesterday and Ensignbus reported that a diversion was in place meaning their route 44 service was unable to serve the Garrison Estate.

Police are investigating and would like any witnesses to call the Roads Policing Unit at Chigwell on Essex Police 101 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk