A SOUTHEND man has died after his car crashed into a tree in South Woodham Ferrers.

Police and ambulance crews rushed to the scene in Old Wickford Road at around 1.50pm on Tuesday.

Despite their best efforts the man, aged in his 60s, could not be saved.

The identity of the victim has not been revealed but his family have been informed.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance service said: “Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, ambulance officer and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance were called to a collision on Old Wickford Road at around 1.50pm.

“Sadly, despite our best efforts, a man died at the scene.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called at about 1.45pm on Tuesday, June 25 with reports a red Vauxhall Combo had left the road in Old Wickford Road, South Woodham Ferrers.

“It had collided with a tree.

“The driver, a man aged in his 60s from Southend, was treated at the scene by paramedics, but he sadly died.”

Police later confirmed the man was from the Southend area.

Police are appealing for information following the single vehicle collision.

A spokesman for Essex Police added: “Enquiries are ongoing and anyone who was in the area at the time is asked and saw what happened is asked to call the serious collision investigation unit.”

Old Wickford Road was shut in both directions from Fennfields Road up to the Burnham Road roundabout while emergency services attended.

The area remained closed off for several hours while crash scene investigators worked to find out what happened.

Residents have paid tribute to the man on social media.

Hannah Mingle wrote: “Oh how awful, sending thoughts to his family and friends at this sad time.”

Ryan Jones said: “Always such a tragedy when someone dies like this, an awful loss to his family.”

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information which could help police is asked to call the serious collision investigation unit.

Witnesses should call 101 quoting incident 617 of June 25 with any information which could help.