A PENSIONER has been airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries after a crash on the A120.

The man, in his 80s, was driving a red Citreon Picasso at the time of the collision which happened on the eastbound side of the road between Dunmow and Braintree this afternoon (June 22).

One lane remains closed and drivers are encouraged to avoid the area with traffic queuing for several miles.

Motorists should instead leave the A120 at Dunmow and follow Rayne Road (B1256) to Rayne where they can rejoin the A120.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We would like to thank drivers in the area for their patience, especially given the hot weather conditions, and would advise them to remain in their vehicles where possible to allow emergency services continued safe access to the scene."

Anyone with information about the collision, or who may have seen a red Citreon Picasso driving in the area before 4pm this afternoon, 22 June, is asked to call 101 and quote the incident number 803 of 22/06.