A man arrested after a serious hit and run has been released under investigation.

Essex Police has released the 22 year-old man from Great Wakering.

A car and a pedestrian were involved in a crash in Southchurch Road, Southend shortly before 11.20pm last night.

The car, described as being dark in colour, failed-to-stop at the scene.

The pedestrian, a man in his 40s, was taken to hospital for treatment on fractured vertebrae, a punctured lung, and a ruptured diaphragm.

His injuries are being described as life-threatening.