A MAN is fighting for his life in hospital and a driver was arrested following a horrific smash.

Police set up a cordon and closed Circular Road North, in Colchester, to traffic following a two-car crash which happened at around 4am yesterday.

A Seat Ibiza and a Ford Focus ST were badly damaged with two men taken on to Colchester General Hospital for treatment.

A 24-year-old man suffered severe life-threatening injuries and remains in a serious condition.

A 26-year-old driver suffered minor injuries and was later released from hospital.

He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

An Essex Police spokesman confirmed he was then released under investigation.

Sgt Colin Shead, roads policing Sergeant with Essex Police, appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Speaking from the scene, he confirmed the road would remain closed while forensic investigations were carried out.

It re-opened by 11am.

“Two vehicles were involved in a serious road traffic collision, as a result of which one man suffered life-threatening injuries,” he said.

“I would urge anyone with information who or who witnessed the crash to contact us on 101.”

A spokesman said: “The driver of the other vehicle, a 26-year-old man from Colchester, was taken to hospital with minor injuries."

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called at 4.04am to reports of a road traffic collision between two cars in Circular Road North, Colchester.

“We sent two ambulance crews and an ambulance officer to the scene who treated two patients and transferred them to Colchester General Hospital for further care.”

Anyone with information or dash cam footage can contact Essex Police on 101 quoting incident 98 of 24/05 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11.