A woman was in a serious condition today after a three-car crash involving an elderly cyclist.

The pile-up happened at the junction of Church Road and Maldon Road, Tiptree.

Two cars collided - causing one of them to lose control and hit the 82-year-old cyclist before finally crashing into a parked car. Paramedics were called to scene and treated the cyclist who was found lying in the road. He was taken to Colchester General Hospital and is understood to have a broken leg.

The 52-year-old woman, who was in one of the cars, was airlifted to Colchester General Hospital with rib injuries. Medics last night described her condition as serious.

Fire crews worked to free the driver of another car; that person was also taken to hospital with back pain.

The road was closed for 90 minutes from 9am yesterday.

Anyone with information should ring police on 01206 762512.