A CYCLIST was rushed to hospital after being trapped under a bus in an early morning crash.

The bus and the man collided at Southend Bus Station at the junction with Chichester Road and Heygate Avenue shortly after 7am this morning.

Shocked witnessed described how seven emergency vehicles rushed to the scene.

An Essex Fire Service spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called to a crash in Chichester Road, Southend.

“Crews reported a bus crashed with a cyclist and the cyclist was trapped under the bus.

“Crews worked to release the man by 7.44am and he was left in the care of the ambulance service.” A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service added: “We sent an ambulance, ambulance officer and a car from Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

“Crews treated a man at the scene before transporting him to Southend Hospital for further assessment and care.”

Chris Berry, head of operations for Arriva Herts and Essex, said: “We can confirm an incident involving one of our services at Southend Bus Station.

“We are currently working alongside emergency services to assist with their ongoing investigation.”

Witness Valerie Potter, of Southend, said: “It was clear something serious happened.

“I’ve never seen so many emergency services in one place.

“I hope he makes a full recovery and is not too badly injured.”

The 44-year-old added: “I saw the crews trying to get to the man and under the bus.

“There were people all about watching the incident. It must be a bit dangerous to cycle on the road.”