A MAN is in hospital with serious head injuries after a suspected hit-and- run.

Police were called to Giffords Green, Pitsea, after reports an 18-year-old man had suffered serious injuries.

Witnesses told police the man had been struck by a car near the road’s junction with Wickford Avenue.

Officers arrived and cordoned off the area.

A 38-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man were both arrested nearby on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. They were taken to Basildon police station and were being questioned by detectives.

Forensics teams cordoned off the road for about two hours while they combed the area for clues. The 18-year-old victim was taken to Basildon Hospital, but it is not believed his condition is life threatening.

A neighbour in Giffords Green, who asked not to be named, said: “We saw a group of about five men, all dressed in dark clothes, hanging around near the junction with Wickford Avenue.

“Then they left and within what seemed like minutes, the police were here cordoning off the road.

“A policewoman came to the door to ask us if we had seen anything, but she would not tell us anything about what had happened.

“It is worrying when this kind of thing happens on your doorstep.”

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened about 6pm on Monday, should call detectives on 101.