A woman has died following a crash on the A120 at Harwich yesterday.

Essex Police officers were called to the A120 between Ramsey and Parkeston shortly after 5pm yesterday following reports that a blue Peugeot 206, travelling from Ramsey, had left the road and entered the Dovercourt Dock River.

Members of the coastguard and ambulance service entered the water but the 72-year-old, who was the driver of the vehicle and the only occupant inside car, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her next of kin have been informed.

The road was closed for around four hours whilst police investigations took place and the vehicle was recovered from the river.

Essex Police said in a statement: “A woman has died following a road traffic collision on the A120 at Harwich on August 1.

“Shortly after 5pm, police were called to the A120 between Ramsey and Parkeston, following reports a blue Peugeot 206, traveling from Ramsey, had left the road and entered the Dovercourt Dock River.

“Members of the coastguard and ambulance service entered the water but the 72-year-old female driver, who was the only occupant of the car, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been informed.

“The road was closed for approximately four hours whilst investigations and vehicle recovery took place.”

An East of England Ambulance Service Trust spokesman said: “We were called at just before 5.20pm yesterday evening (1st August) to reports of a single vehicle road traffic incident.

“A rapid response vehicle, ambulance officer, ambulance crew and our hazardous area response team were sent to the scene.

“Unfortunately the patient was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“Our thoughts go out to her family and friends.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have information about the accident should contact Essex Police’s serious collision investigation unit by calling 01245 240590 or emailing collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk

Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously if required, by calling 0800 555 111.