Sutton Road closed after “horrific” serious collision near Southend city centre

Part of Sutton Road in Southend city centre has been closed this afternoon after a serious collision involving a van and a pedestrian near All Saints Church.

Emergency services were called to the incident shortly before midday on Sunday 23 November. Witnesses reported an Air Ambulance landing in the nearby Seaway car park, with emergency medic doctors heading straight to the cordon. A patient was later seen being moved on a stretcher and loaded into the helicopter.

Charlotte Brown, an eyewitness, said: “It happened moments before I passed. It looked absolutely horrific. I hope the person involved makes a full recovery and the driver has someone to talk to and get some help as well.”

Police officers put a cordon in place while collision investigators examined the area, including the road directly behind the church where the incident took place.

In an update, Essex Police said: “We are at the scene of a collision involving a van and pedestrian in Sutton Road, Southend.

“It was reported the collision took place about 11.50am, with the pedestrian to be taken to hospital for further treatment.

“Emergency services remain at the scene and drivers are advised to avoid the area and plan their journeys accordingly.”

The pedestrian’s condition has not yet been confirmed. Further updates are expected from the ambulance service.

UPDATE 11am 24 November: A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service said: “We were called around 11.50am on Sunday 23 November to reports of a collision between a pedestrian and a van on Sutton Road in Southend. An ambulance, ambulance officer vehicle, critical care paramedic vehicle and the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance were sent to the scene. The pedestrian, an adult man, was airlifted to The Royal London Hospital for further treatment.”