POLICE fear an elderly man has suffered life-threatening injuries after being hit by a car outside a Rochford primary school.

The man, aged in his eighties, was involved in a crash near to St Theresa’s Catholic School, in Ashingdon Road, at about 6.50am yesterday morning.

It is understood the man was on a zebra crossing when he was struck by a Renault Clio, driven by a man aged in his thirties.

Essex Police have launched an urgent appeal for information.

A force spokesman confirmed last night the man “may have suffered life-threatening injuries”.

Ashingdon Road was closed until 2.30pm yesterday, with motorists urged to find alternative routes.

A spokesperson from Essex Police said: “We were on the scene of a serious collision in Ashingdon Road, Rochford.

“We were called at 6.50am yesterday morning, Tuesday 8 October, to reports that an elderly man and a Renault Clio had been involved in a crash

“The pedestrian, a man in his 80s, may have suffered life-threatening injuries and remains in hospital for treatment.

“No arrests have been made and the driver of the Clio, a local man in his 30s, is assisting with our enquiries.

“The road remained closed and drivers were urged to seek alternative routes where possible.

“Anyone with information, dash cam or relevant CCTV footage is asked to call 101 quoting the incident number 153 of 8 October.”

A spokesperson from the East of England Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 6.46am to reports of a collision on Ashingdon Road, Rochford. We sent a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer and two ambulances. One man was taken to Southend University Hospital.”