A student was knocked off his bicycle by a hit-and-run driver as he rode to school in Southend.

The 12-year-old was on his way to Cecil Jones High School, in Eastern Avenue, when he was struck by a red Ford Escort at around 8.30am on Thursday.

He was crossing at the junction of Bournemouth Park Road and Wentworth Road when he was knocked to the ground by the P-registration car.

A police spokesman said: "The driver was travelling along Bournemouth Park Road. We're keen to speak to anyone who may the full registration number."

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