POLICE in Essex have seized a vehicle in connection with a serious accident that saw a piece of debris crash through a car windscreen.

Elliot Furniss

POLICE in Essex have seized a vehicle in connection with a serious accident that saw a piece of debris crash through a car windscreen.

Officers have also renewed their appeal plea for drivers who were on the southbound A12 in the lead-up to the crash, at about noon on Saturday, to come forward with any information that may help their investigation.

A 47-year-old man remains in a critical condition in hospital after he suffered head injuries when a piece of debris was swept up from the carriageway and crashed into the front of his car.

Investigating officers have now seized a Ford Transit truck in connection with the incident and it is now being examined.

They have also called for other drivers, namely those driving a white minibus and a white mini that both swerved to avoid the debris, to get in touch.

A spokesman said: “These drivers are potential witnesses and can assist police to piece together the events that led to the crash.

“In addition, officers are keen to hear from anyone who was travelling along the A12 on the London-bound track at around 11.30am to 11.50am who may have information that could assist their inquiries.”

The spokesman said it was too early to confirm if the seized truck was definitely involved but said it had been recovered to enable a forensic test to take place.

The piece of metal debris crashed through the injured man's windscreen after being swept up by another vehicle. The southbound side of the dual carriageway was closed for about four hours as the emergency services cleared and examined the scene.

The crash has not been linked to a recent spate of dangerous incidents along the A12 when lumps of concrete have been dropped from bridges onto moving vehicles below.

Anyone with information can contact officers at the Stanway Road Policing Unit on 0300 3334444.