A MAN who has died after his van veered off the road and crashed into a tree has been named by locally.

It is understood that he is Billy Whittaker, a carpenter from South Woodham Ferrers, died after the crash near Blackmore.

Emergency services were called to Wenlocks Lane just after 2am on August 20 to find a Mercedes Sprinter van had left the road and collided with a tree.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers are keen to trace anyone who has dashcam footage of the collision.

Wenlocks Lane is a quiet country road in the middle of Blackmore that connects Ingatestone Road with Blackmore Road.

Witnesses should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01245 240590 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk