A 12-YEAR-OLD boy remained seriously ill in hospital last night after a Christmas Eve crash left him fighting for his life.

James Hore

A 12-YEAR-OLD boy remained seriously ill in hospital last night after a Christmas Eve crash left him fighting for his life.

The youngster was in a collision with a car in Colchester and there was gridlock in parts of the town as emergency crews attended the scene.

The accident happened in Old Heath Road when the boy, a pedestrian, was in collision with a green Kia heading towards the town.

The 12-year-old, who is understood to live locally, was left with serious, life-threatening head and leg injuries.

Police say he was rushed by ambulance to Colchester General Hospital, where his condition remains serious but stable.

The accident happened at 3.45pm and caused massive delays in the area around Abbot's Road and the Barn Hall estate as traffic was diverted.

Police confirmed yesterday that no-one had been arrested following the incident which is being treated as an unfortunate accident. The driver of the Kia was not injured, but was left severely shaken.

Road policing officers have appealed for witnesses to the incident to contact them, and anyone with information is asked to call 01206 762512.