A motorcyclist suffered life threatening injuries after his bike collided with a metal sign post in Colchester.

The man, in his 20s, was found with serious head injuries following the crash which happened in Greenstead Road, near to the junction with Hythe Station Road, shortly after 4am this morning.

Police, who were called to the scene by the East of England Ambulance Service at about 4.10am, are investigating what happened and are appealing for witnesses to the crash.

The man is currently being cared for in hospital and his family have been informed of his injuries and are being supported by police officers.

Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are keen to speak with a man, believed to be a taxi driver, and three women who were seen near the site of the collision.

The man was driving a grey car, possibly a private hire taxi, and was described as black, with short cropped hair and a moustache. He spoke to ambulance staff with what was believed to be a foreign accent, and is thought to be between 35 and 45 years old.

Police do not have descriptions of the three women, but they stopped to help in the aftermath of the incident.

All four people stayed at the scene for a short time after the collision before leaving, and are being treated as witnesses.

If you are one of the people who helped at the scene, or you know who these people are, please contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01245 240590 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk