Murder probe after man dies in collision with car

A murder investigation has been launched after reports a car left the road, collided with a pedestrian and then drove off.

Essex Police said a man in his 20s from London was fatally injured near a cycle path off Momples Road, in Harlow, at about 17:30 GMT on Saturday.

"It was reported the vehicle, a silver Mitsubishi, had left the road before colliding with a man and driving away," said a police statement.

A short time later, the vehicle - which has now been "forensically seized" - was found abandoned and on fire at a nearby underpass.

Officers are investigating the possibility the incident was linked to the theft of a black Ford Fiesta in nearby Pennymead, reported earlier that day at around 16:00.

The Fiesta was later found abandoned in the Churchfield area of the town and has also been seized.

Det Insp Alison Hooper, leading the investigation, said: "At the centre of this incident is a person who has lost their life in terrible circumstances.

"We are supporting a grieving family.

"I have a dedicated team working hard to establish the sequence of events which led to this fatal collision and this investigation is making progress.

"We're particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the vehicles in question in the Harlow area in the hours leading up to this collision."

No arrests have been made, and a cordon remains in place. Police have appealed for information.

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