A man in his 20s has died after reports that a car collided with a person lying in the road in Braintree Road, Halstead, early this morning.

Emergency services were called at around 2.30am to the stretch of road close to the building site and section of road restricted to 40mph.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said they had been called to “reports that a car had collided with a person lying in the road”, and said that while both police and paramedics attended, a man in his 20s was declared dead at the scene.

His family and next of kin have been informed.

Sergeant Adam High, from the serious collision investigation unit, said: “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts and condolences go out to the family of the man who was found this morning.

“Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances of the collision and we are keen to speak to witnesses or anyone who was in the area at that time.

“Please come forward if you have some information which could help.”

The road was closed while forensic investigations took place, and a white VW Up was recovered, before re-opening at around 10am.

Police confirmed that no arrests have been made.

Shirley Diver, chairman of Halstead Town Council said she was very sorry to hear the news.

“It’s a horrible piece of road – it’s a very windy road,” she said.

She added that fatalities often had a deep impact on the Halstead community, which she said was a “close-knit community”.

A spokesman from the East of England Ambulance Service was unavailable for comment.

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101.