Man in his 20s killed after car ploughs into him on cycle lane as cops launch murder probe

COPS have launched a murder probe after reports a car hit a pedestrian and fled the scene.

Essex Police said a man from London in his 20s was fatally hit near a cycle path off Momples Road in Harlow at around 5.30pm on Saturday evening.

The vehicle was later found abandoned and on fire at an underpass close to the scene.

The victim's family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers

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

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 4pm.

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.