A mother and toddler were almost killed as a speeding motorist ignored a red traffic light in Pitsea.

Police are now desperate to get in touch with the woman who had to tug her young child out of the path of the van.

The near tragedy happened as the pair were crossing the road in Broadway, Pitsea, at 11.30am yesterday.

A woman reported the incident to officers after being horrified to witness what she thought was going to be a fatal accident.

The woman, who was travelling with her daughter, told police she stopped as the traffic light showed red.

As the pedestrians stepped into the road, the motorist became aware of a white van speeding up from behind.

Luckily, the mother and child had not yet reached the second lane of the road and narrowly missed being struck as the van sped through the lights.

PC Barry Woods, of Pitsea police, is desperate to trace the near victims to set about prosecuting the driver.

He said: "We want this mother to contact us to put forward her evidence.

"If this car jumped a red light and nearly knocked over a mother and child, the driver was obviously not taking any care or any notice.

The woman who has come forward believes the van driver may even have accelerated through the lights.

"The mother seemed to be aware of what was happening as she pulled her child back on the reigns as she reached the edge of the car which had stopped.

"From our point of view, anybody who accelerates through a red light knowing there are pedestrians about is an extreme hazard to everyone.

"I do not appreciate people driving like this as it is how people get killed. The witness seriously thought this child was going to be killed."

The mother is described as being tall and wearing a long skirt and top.

The young girl she had on reigns is thought to be around two or three years of age.

If you are the woman police are looking for, or witnessed the incident, contact PC Barry Woods at Pitsea police on 01268 584212

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