Police are appealing for a key witness after a binman died a month after he was hit by a car at work.

The man in his 40s was struck as he crossed Alderton Hill in Loughton on the afternoon of March 10.

The refuse collector was taken to hospital with a broken leg and underwent surgery.

He was later discharged from hospital but Essex Police say he died on April 20.

Officers are investigating whether there is a link between his death and the injuries sustained in the collision.

The binman had been hit by a black Mercedes S350 car shortly after 2.25pm.

The driver of the S350, a 62-year-old man from Chingford, was detained on suspicion of careless driving but no charges have been made at this time.

As enquiries into the binman’s death continue, Essex Police have issued an appeal for witnesses and information.

In particular, officers are keen to speak to the driver of a silver Mercedes GLA SUV that was travelling behind the bin lorry in Alderton Hill at the time of the collision.

A police spokesperson said: “We are continuing to appeal for witnesses to a collision in Loughton earlier this year where a man was injured and later died.

“A refuse collector was in a collision with a black Mercedes S350 in Alderton Hill shortly after 2.25pm on 10 March as he crossed the road.

He sustained a broken leg and was taken to hospital for treatment. Following surgery he was released from hospital but, sadly, died on 20 April.

“We are investigating to see if there is a link between the injury he sustained and his death and these enquiries are ongoing.”

The force added: “We appreciate that this incident took place some time ago but we need anyone who has any information about it to contact us.

“We need anyone who saw anything or has any CCTV, dash cam, or doorbell footage to contact us.”

Anyone with information can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or call 101 quoting incident 625 of March 10.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/