A cyclist has died after a crash involving a car and two cyclists near Braintree.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the crash in Fairstead Road just before 10.30am today, Sunday, January 9.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We attended and, sadly, one of the cyclists – a man in his 60s – was pronounced dead at the scene."

The spokesman also confirmed that the other cyclist has sustained injuries to his face.

They also said a 65 year-old man from South Woodham Ferrers has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and he is currently in custody.

The single track road, which is the main road to Fairstead Parish Church was closed for several hours but has since reopened.

Ross Playle, county councillor for Fairstead and Witham Northern, said he was "saddened" to hear about the tragic news.

"It is tragic what has happened," He said.

"My thoughts go out to the family and friends of the cyclist that has been killed."

Mr Playle is now calling for action to be taken to ensure cyclists are safe on the road at all times.

"Obviously with cycling being a more popular mode of transport it is important that both existing drivers of cars do all they can to be cautious around cyclists and Essex Highways authority does everything it can to make sure cycling is both an attractive and safe way of getting about," he said.

The Conservative county councillor said he does not hear of these kinds of crashes very often in Fairstead.

"I am surprised it has happened in the rural location it has," Mr Playle said.

Anyone with any information or who has any dash cam footage is being asked to contact Essex Police quoting the incident number 336 of January 9.

Or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.