A man who was struck by a stolen car in Westcliff has very sadly died from his injuries, as tributes begin to emerge from those who knew him.
The victim has been named by relatives as Amir Ali, a 50-year-old British-Bangladeshi taxi driver from Southend.
Emergency services were first called at around 7.30am on Thursday 16 April to reports of a collision involving a white Mercedes C Class and a pedestrian on Crowstone Road. The vehicle failed to stop and left the scene.
Amir received immediate treatment at the roadside from members of the public, police officers and ambulance crews before being taken to hospital. Despite the best efforts of all involved in his care, he very sadly died on Tuesday 21 April.
Tributes paid to “lovely” and hardworking driver
Friends and colleagues have begun sharing heartfelt tributes, describing Amir as a kind and dedicated man who worked tirelessly.
A friend, Abdul Bari, said: “Sadly he passed away on Tuesday evening in hospital – he had suffered a catastrophic injury. He worked two jobs as a part-time London Bus Driver and also was an Essex taxi driver. He was such a lovely man. Thank you to all the doctors and nurses who did their best.”
Another taxi driver added: “He was a genuinely lovely, quiet, kind man with a great sense of humour, and it’s heartbreaking to see something like this happen to someone so undeserving.”
Amir had spent years serving the public, both as a London bus driver and as a taxi driver locally in Essex.
Stolen car found abandoned after crash
Shortly after the collision, the white Mercedes was found abandoned in Britannia Road.
Police enquiries later established the car had been stolen from an address in Sutton Road, Southend, at around 1am earlier that same morning, just hours before the crash.
Arrest made and suspect charged
A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Detectives investigating a serious collision in Westcliff can confirm that a man has sadly died in hospital.
“His family has been supported by officers from the outset of our investigation, and this support will continue.
“An investigation has continued at pace, led by detectives from our Serious Crime Directorate.
“As a result, on Saturday 18 April, James Wallace, 26, of no fixed abode, was arrested and charged with attempted murder and handling stolen goods.
“He remains on remand in prison and is next due to appear at Basildon Crown Court on Monday 18 May.”
Police continue appeal for information
Essex Police say their investigation remains ongoing and are continuing to appeal for information about the movements of the white Mercedes, particularly in the Sutton Road, Crowstone Road and Britannia Road areas on the morning of Thursday 16 April.
Detective Inspector James Holmes, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain firmly with this man’s family, who are being supported by specialist officers at this extremely difficult time.
“Despite the very swift progress in this investigation, our enquiries are very much ongoing.
“We are still keen to hear from anyone who saw the white Mercedes C Class in the Sutton Road, Crowstone Road or Britannia Road areas on the morning of Thursday 16 April, or who has any information that could help us.
“Even details that may seem insignificant could prove vital, and I would urge anyone with information to come forward.”
You can submit information via the dedicated investigation portal here: https://bit.ly/PoliceAppeal-OperationFan
Air ambulance response underlines critical work
The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance was also dispatched to the incident, bringing a specialist critical care team to support those already providing treatment.
Their crews are trained to deliver advanced medical care at the roadside, often carrying out procedures normally only possible in hospital, giving patients the best possible chance before reaching A&E.
The service is a charity and does not receive regular government funding, relying instead on public donations to continue operating.
Incidents like this highlight the importance of that support, enabling highly skilled doctors and paramedics to respond rapidly to the most serious emergencies across Essex and Hertfordshire.
You can support their work here: https://bit.ly/EssexAndHertsAirAmbulance