POLICE in Essex have arrested a man in connection with a collision outside a hospital in which a patient was killed.At about 4.30am yesterday morning, a man undergoing treatment at Colchester General Hospital's accident and emergency department was knocked over on an approach road within the hospital grounds.

POLICE in Essex have arrested a man in connection with a collision outside a hospital in which a patient was killed.

At about 4.30am yesterday morning, a man undergoing treatment at Colchester General Hospital's accident and emergency department was knocked over on an approach road within the hospital grounds.

A police spokesman said: “A 37-year-old man from Brightlingsea has been arrested on suspicion of careless driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and failing to report a collision in connection with the accident.”

The man has been released on police bail until early June. Officers also recovered a white Ford Transit van that will be subject to a forensic examination.

Police have yet to identify the 39-year-old patient - who was wearing a white gown at the time of the accident - but it is understood that his first name was Barry.

Officers investigating the incident still need to hear from any witnesses who were in the Turner Road area between 4am and 5am yesterday morning.

Anyone with information can contact the Stanway Road Policing Unit on 01206 762512.