POLICE were today hunting for a driver after a man was left with serious injuries following a hit-and-run collision on a rural road.

HADLEIGH: Police were today hunting for a driver after a man was left with serious injuries following a hit-and-run collision on a rural road.

The 50-year-old man was treated for serious leg and head injuries following the accident in Benton Street, Hadleigh, at about 12.50pm yesterday.

The man, who it is believed was delivering leaflets in the area, was treated at the scene before being taken to The Royal London Hospital by Essex Air Ambulance.

Dr Stephen Stanley-Little, 67, who lives in Benton Street, rode past the scene of the accident with wife Christina shortly after it had happened.

He said: “There was a man lying on the road with police in attendance and a number of bystanders as well and they were obviously concerned about him because within ten minutes the air ambulance was on the road and he was taken off about half-an-hour later.

“Clearly it was a serious accident. I imagine he had a severe head injury because he appeared to be semi-conscious because the police were saying 'stay with me, stay with me'.”

Mrs Stanley-Little, 61, added: “It has upset us all afternoon. I thought that it might have been somebody that we know. It is just horrible. This is a lethal piece of road.”

Suffolk police said that the driver of a black or dark blue Jaguar collided with the man before speeding away from the scene towards Holton St Mary. Benton Street was closed at the scene of the accident while police carried out investigations.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: “We received reports of a male in the road with a bleeding head injury. He was unconscious but breathing.”

Police officers are appealing for witnesses to the incident. It is believed the driver of the Jaguar is a white man in his mid 20s to mid 30s, with dark hair. He was wearing a white shirt.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or has any information about the Jaguar, should contact Suffolk police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Do you know the injured man? Call the newsdesk on 01473 324790 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk