A PEDESTRIAN died after colliding with a car as she tried to cross the A12 in Essex.

The woman was struck by a white Toyota Auris on the southbound carriageway in the early hours of Saturday, police said.

Officers believe the 29-year-old, who is from the Romford area, had walked from a car that had stopped in a lay-by on the northbound carriageway near Colchester.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, which happened near Marks Tey between junction 26 for Eight Ash Green and 25 for the A120.

The 44-year-old woman driving the Auris, who lives in the Marks Tey area, was treated for shock by paramedics.

A section of the carriageway was closed until 8am while forensic collision investigators carried out their enquiries.

Police have urged any witnesses to contact them immediately.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We believe the woman crossed the carriageway after having walked off from a vehicle she had been travelling in. Its driver had stopped in a lay-by.”

The East of England Ambulance Service said they were called just after 1am to reports a woman had been found on the A12 near Stanway.

A spokeswoman for the service said: “Sadly the young woman was declared deceased on scene and our crews were unable to do anything to help her.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to her family and loved ones.”

Anyone with information in connection with this fatal road crash is urged to contact Essex Police’s serious collision investigation Unit on 101 or they can e-mail the team at collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk