A PENSIONER who was hit by a van and died has been named as 71-year-old James Pritchard from Mott Street, Waltham Abbey.

He was walking outside Tesco on Epping High Street yesterday (June 22) when he was struck by a white Mercedes Sprinter at around 11am.

An air ambulance flew him to the Royal London hospital but he died a short time later.

A 70-year-old man from Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

He was released on police bail until September 21 while further inquiries are carried out.

A section of the high street was closed for three hours yesterday while forensic collision investigators carried out inquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the crash should contact investigating officers at the Chigwell Road Policing Unit on 0300 333 4444.