A teenager was killed after being hit by a minibus.

The 18-year-old, from Billericay, was walking along the carriageway of the A132 at Battlesbridge last night.

He was travelling north-east towards South Woodham Ferrers at around 11.35pm when he was hit by the vehicle going in the opposite direction.

Police believe the man had been walking on the road for some time before the accident. The minibus was being driven by a woman from Shoebury.

The section of the road is unlit and there is no footpath, but pedestrians are not restricted from using the road.

Investigating officers are hoping to speak with anyone who saw the man before the accident, which happened at the approach to the Rettendon turnpike.

A spokesman for Essex Police said the man had been doing the right thing by walking against the traffic flow, but that the fatal accident should encourage others to take care when walking on roads in the dark. "This helps highlight the dangers of walking on roads at night. Pedestrians need to make every effort to ensure they are seen," he said.

Anyyone with information is asked to call PC Lucas on 01245 452918.

Published Wednesday, January 8, 2003

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