A cyclist who lost his ear and broke his back in a hit-and-run says he felt "abandoned" by the driver who left him at the roadside.

John Barker, 48, was cycling in School Road, Rayne, when his mountain bike was struck from behind, sending him flying over the handle bars to land on the tarmac.

The impact knocked Mr Barker unconscious and the rough road surface tore off his left ear, and badly grazed his head and left arm.

Police are appealing to find the driver and urge anyone who witnessed the crash to call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for more.