POLICE officers have launched an investigation into a crash which saw a cyclist rushed to hospital after sustaining serious injuries.

Emergency services were called to Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, just before 5pm yesterday following reports of a collision between a bike and a car.

A man was transported to Colchester Hospital where he remains receiving treatment for serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Essex Police attended the scene and officers have now confirmed an investigation has been launched after the driver of the car was reported for careless driving.

Gazette: Emergency services - the East of England Ambulance Service also attendedEmergency services - the East of England Ambulance Service also attended (Image: Jackson Stuart)

A statement issued by the force said: “Officers were called to Cowdray Avenue in Colchester shortly before 5pm on August 22 following reports of a collision involving a car and a bicycle. The cyclist was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

“The driver of the car has been reported for careless driving. Inquiries remain ongoing.

“Anyone with any CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to contact us.”

Three East of England Ambulance Service vehicles also attended the incident, which happened close to the Colne View Retail Park which is home to DFS, Aldi, Pets at Home, and Halfords, and is near Leisure World and McDonald’s.

Gazette: Incident - police officers and ambulance crews were called to Cowdray AvenueIncident - police officers and ambulance crews were called to Cowdray Avenue (Image: Jackson Stuart)

A spokesman for the ambulance service confirmed: “We were called at 4.58pm on Tuesday, August 22 with reports that a cyclist had been involved in a collision with a car on Cowdray Avenue in Colchester.

“Two ambulances and a rapid response vehicle attended the scene. The cyclist, an adult man, was transported to Colchester Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

The road was closed in both directions between North Station Road and Ipswich Road for nearly two hours following the incident. Essex County Council’s traffic control team confirmed the road was re-opened by 6.43pm.

Anyone with information which could assist the police with their inquiries is urged to submit a report at essex.police.uk/digital101 or by calling 101.

Anonymous reports can be made at crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.

The police spokesman continued: “Please quote incident 1010 of August 22 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”