Basildon firefighters today urged motorists to slow down when they see parked fire engines, after an officer was struck by a hit-and-run driver.

Keith Flynn, 26, was attending a fire at Tye Common Road, Billericay, on Saturday when he was hit by a Ford car, which then drove off.

Now, Basildon Fire Station commander Olly Holford has asked the public to slow down when they see a stationary fire engine.

He said: "Two pumps were called out to support Billericay's engine at about 7pm. One of the officers was walking along Tye Common Road, wearing reflective gear, when he was struck by a Ford car and knocked over.

"He was taken to Broomfield Hospital with bruising, and is now on sick leave. I'd just like to ask eople to slow down if they see a fire engine parked on the road, because our firefighters are trying to do a job, and they can't do it if they're going to be hit by cars.

"We always try to make ourselves as visible as we can. However, it would help us if people would just slow down a bit and consider what we are trying to do."

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