A male cyclist is fighting for his life after being left for dead in the road following a suspected hit and run.

The victim, in his 40s, was hit by a vehicle which officers believe is larger than a car – possibly a small lorry or minibus – at 4.15am this morning in Buckhurst Hill, north east London.

He remains in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries in Royal London Hospital following the collision while on his way to work.

A wing mirror was found by police at the scene which they believe belongs to the vehicle involved.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Acting Detective Inspector Dave Jones, of Essex Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), said: “We would like to appeal to the driver of the vehicle with the missing wing mirror to come forward and contact us.

“Equally if there are any transport managers or transport companies who have noticed anything suspicious about one of their vehicles this morning, particularly that it may be missing a wing mirror, please get in touch urgently.”

Forensic officers remain behind a cordon at the scene this afternoon and are combing the site to create a picture of what happened in the incident, laying several yellow markers on the ground of the suburban street.

Anyone with information can contact officers at SCIU on 01245 240590 or email CollisionAppeal@essex.pnn.police.uk