A teenager who had to be freed from the wreckage of a car by firefighters following a crash in Essex today is fighting for his life in hospital.

The collision happened at about 7.10am in Langham Road, Boxted, and involved a burgundy Ford Fiesta Zetec and a silver Renault Clio.

Two fire crews from Colchester as well as two ambulance crews, an ambulance officer, the Hazardous Area Response Team and an air ambulance were called to the scene.

Police said one of the vehicles left the road and entered a ditch.

An 18-year-old man, who was trapped in the Ford Fiesta Zetec, was released by 8.15am.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said the man was treated for serious injuries, including a suspected broken pelvis, and was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in a life-threatening condition.

The male driver of the other vehicle was taken to Colchester General Hospital with chest pains. His condition is believed to be stable.

Police are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the collision. Call Chigwell roads policing unit on 101, quoting incident 252 of 23/09.