By James HoreAN elderly man was seriously ill in hospital last night after he was injured while crossing the road.The 80-year-old was in Halstead town centre when he was involved in a collision with a black Ford Fusion car driven by an 81-year-old man.

By James Hore

AN elderly man was seriously ill in hospital last night after he was injured while crossing the road.

The 80-year-old was in Halstead town centre when he was involved in a collision with a black Ford Fusion car driven by an 81-year-old man.

The accident happened at about 12.15pm yesterday off Bridge Street as the car was being driven towards Colchester.

The elderly pedestrian suffered serious head injuries and remained unconscious as he was treated by an ambulance crew.

Both the driver of the car and his wife, who was a front-seat passenger, were shaken, but uninjured.

The Essex air ambulance was called and the injured man was flown to Colchester General Hospital, where he was said to be in a critical condition last night.

Air crew paramedic, Laurie Phillipson, said: “The man suffered a nasty head injury and was unconscious throughout.

“We flew him to hospital, where his condition deteriorated, but medical staff managed to stabilise him. He will now undergo tests to see just how serious the injury is.”

The road was closed for about two hours as Essex Police launched an investigation into the collision.

Anyone with information should contact Bocking traffic police on 01376 5513312.

james.hore@eadt.co.uk