A 71-year-old man was today found unconscious at the scene of a crash after his car went into a ditch by the side of the A14.

Simon Tomlinson

A 71-year-old man is in a serious condition in hospital after his car crashed into a ditch alongside the A14 in Suffolk.

It is believed he may have suffered a heart attack moments before the crash, and he was taken to Ipswich Hospital for treatment.

He has now been transferred to Colchester Hospital for treatment as it is believed he has an aortic aneurysm (a weakness in the wall of the aorta). There is a joint vascular rota between Ipswich Hospital and Colchester Hospital which provides 24/7 cover. Yesterday Colchester was on call so the patient was sent there for vascular surgery.

His female passenger, whose details have not been released, was not believed to have been hurt in the collision, which happened on the Ipswich-bound carriageway near Claydon.

Police were contacted by a passing motorist who said a silver Mercedes had gone off the road near junction 53 at around 11.30am.

The road was closed while firefighters, paramedics and police officers deal with the crash site.

The East Anglian Air Ambulance was initially called, but was later stood down.

Diversions were put in place and motorists were advised to avoid the area, although the road has now reopened.