Road policing officers have praised a moped rider for wearing protective clothing – and said it saved him from more serious injury after a crash.

Emergency services were called to the crash in Straight Road, Boxted, at the junction with Horkesley Road, around 2.30pm today.

The moped rider, a teenager from Dedham, was taken to Colchester General Hospital with a serious injury, described by police as a “nasty break” to his leg.

A 23-year-old woman who was behind the wheel of a blue Vauxhall Corsa involved in the crash was reported for careless driving, meaning she will be invited to attend a safer driving course.

Sgt Jason Dearsley, from the Stanway Road Policing Unit at Essex Police, said: “The moped rider had proper protective equipment on which is important, because a lot of riders do not. That has saved him from more serious injury.

“I’d like to remind all road users that when the sun is low and the weather is poor to take more care. Motorcyclists should ride defensively and consider if other drivers have seen them, and motorists should ‘Think bike’ and look twice.”

Sgt Dearsley also praised a number of witnesses and other motorists who stopped to give assistance at the scene.