A man suffered a serious head wound after being run down by a hit and run driver.

Charles Lodge, 62, was sitting on his bicycle when a green Ford Escort careered into him in Church Lane, Wickham Bishops.

He was propelled into the air, landing on the car bonnet and then thrown to the ground at 5pm yesterday.

Mr Lodge's son Phil is disgusted with the driver, saying: "We just want to catch this man so he can get what's coming to him. It's disgusting anyone could do this to an elderly man."

Mr Lodge, of Wickham Hall Lane, Wickham Bishops, was taken to Broomfield Hospital and treated for a wound to his head, bruising and shock. He is now recovering at home.

He told police that the K registration car was on the wrong side of the road and that he tried to move out of the way but it "ploughed" into him.

His son added: "Fortunately he was wearing a helmet, but it got smashed to smithereens and his clothes were all ripped and torn.

"He is very shaken and in shock and not sleeping very well." Anyone with information is asked to contact Maldon police on 01621 852255.

Published Friday, May 16, 2003

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