A cyclist who came off his bike on the A120 avoided life-changing injuries because he was wearing a helmet say police.

A 61-year old man from Marks Tey was travelling towards Colchester from Coggeshall at around 1.25pm on April 5 when his bike was involved in a collision with a lorry.

The man was taken to hospital with broken ribs and a fractured spine.

A 25-year-old man, who was driving the lorry, was reported for careless driving.

Investigating officer Pc Andrew Sumner, of Stanway Roads Policing Unit, said: “I spoke to paramedics at the scene who insisted that man’s injuries could have been life-changing had it not been for his helmet.

“The back of the victim’s helmet clearly shows the damage it sustained after hitting the ground.

“This incident emphasises the importance of wearing a helmet, they really can be the difference between life and death.”