A POLICE investigation is under way tonight after an Essex MP collided with a cyclist as he drove out of the House of Commons.

Russell Claydon

AN INVESTIGATION was under way tonight after an Essex MP collided with a cyclist as he drove out of the House of Commons.

Simon Burns, MP for Chelmsford West, was driving a Land Rover Freelander when the accident happened in Parliament Square shortly after 6pm.

The cyclist, who is thought to be in his 20s, was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital in east London with non-life threatening injuries.

Mr Burns, 55, said he was not hurt in the accident.

He added: “As is the case with all road accidents, I was breathalysed. It was totally negative. The police are conducting their investigation and as such I don't think it is appropriate to say anything at this time.”

A Scotland Yard Spokesman said: “A 4x4 vehicle was exiting the gates at the main entrance of the palace in Parliament Square when it was in collision with a male pedal cyclist.

“He is believed to be in his 20s and the injuries are described as not life threatening. The driver of the 4x4 stopped at the scene. He is not injured.

“There have not been any arrests made and we are not calling for witnesses at this stage.”

Mr Burns, a father-of-two, became MP for Chelmsford in June 1987 and was elected as MP for West Chelmsford in May 1997.

He is a former shadow health minister and member of the Health Select Committee. Conservative leader David Cameron appointed him as an Opposition Whip in December 2005.