A man has died in hospital after the dog he was walking bolted into the road, pulling him into the path of a car in Dovercourt.

The man, in his 60s, was walking his dog between 7pm-8pm in the area around Hall Road on Monday night when the dog, said to be similar to a pug, bolted across the road and into the path of a car, taking the man with him.

He sustained a head injury in the accident.

The lead had caused damage to the car involved, and the female driver stopped to obtain the man’s details before driving away.

The man then returned home but felt increasingly unwell during the course of the evening.

He was taken to hospital where he later died.

Essex police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

DS Dave Jones of the serious collision investigation unit said: “A man has sadly died following this incident.

“I’m also keen to speak to anyone who saw the dog-walker, before or after the incident.

“He was walking his dog which is similar to a pug.

“The dog is safe and unharmed.”

Following the appeal the driver of the vehicle has spoken to police.

Anyone with information should contact DS Dave Jones on the 24-hour number 101.