A120 fatal crash: Man arrested by Essex Police over incident

The man, aged in his 40s and from the Colchester area, was questioned on suspicion of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs and failing to stop after a road accident. He has been released under investigation. The incident happened on the eastbound side of the Coggeshall bypass, shortly before the junction with the B1024, at about 7am on Saturday.

Essex Police have said a van which was potentially involved in the collision was later found burnt-out about three miles away in a layby near Watery Lane. The victim, a man aged in his 50s, sadly died at the scene. Police are continuing to urge anyone who was driving on the A120 between Bradwell, Coggeshall and Colchester between 6.30am and 7.10am on Saturday morning and saw a man who appeared vulnerable with grey hair and dark clothing walking alone on the A120 towards Colchester.

The force also wants to hear from anyone who may have witnessed or may have dashcam footage of a white van being set alight in a layby on the westbound carriageway of the A120, close to Bradwell, at Watery Lane or an individual accessing the vehicle. Inspector James Freeman, of our roads policing unit, said: "This is a meticulous investigation which requires great care and attention and we're continuing to work through a number of lines of enquiry. "Whilst I can confirm a man has been arrested, I would ask that the wider public refrain from speculation; an arrest does not imply guilt and the man in custody is continuing to provide an account to us."

Insp Freeman added: "I am again appealing to anyone who may have information about the man seen walking on the A120 or the white van that was found fire-damaged to get in touch.

"If you have dashcam footage, even if you haven't checked it yet because you weren't aware of the incident, please take a look.

What you find could be vital to our investigation."