POLICE are hunting the driver of a car involved in a crash which left an elderly man with serious injuries.

The smash, in The Plain, Epping, happened just before 4pm yesterday (Wednesday).

Police say a blue Rover 800 failed to stop at the scene after it collided with a beige Nissan Note.

The 72-year-old driver of the Nissan had to be cut from his vehicle and was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital with "serious" injuries.

An East of England Ambulance Service spokeswoman said he fractured his arm in the crash, and also received face, head and suspected pelvis injuries.

His current condition is described as stable, but is not thought to be life-threatening.

A police spokesman said officers reckon they know who the driver of the Rover was and are making further enquiries.

A rapid responder and ambulance crew attended the scene following an emergency call at 3.54pm.

An air ambulance team also helped, but arrived by car because their helicopter was undergoing maintenance at the time.

A spokeswoman for Essex Fire and Rescue said it took almost an hour to free the man from the wreckage of his car.