THIS morning's early morning crash (Monday, 5 October) on the A128 has claimed the life of a popular Thurrock man, while police have launched a search for the driver of another car involved.

The man who died, who was from Grays, has not yet been officially named, but was a taxi driver from a firm based in the town. His vehicle was in collision with a black BMW X5, whose driver fled the scene.

Thurrock Nub News understands a lorry driver who stopped to help, tried to apprehend the driver, who was able to say he did not speak English before grabbing a bag from the car and running away.

We will update this story when more information is officially available. The local taxi company involved have expressed their extreme sadness and sympathy to the family of the man who has died and will pay tribute to him at a later stage.

Meanwhile police continue to appeal for information. Witnesses and anyone else with information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 or email [email protected] quoting incident number 99 of 5 October.

A resident whose home is right next to the crash site, spoke about her horror at what see saw. See attached video.