A FATHER was reportedly ‘thrown across the bonnet of a car and dumped in the middle of the road’ in an alleged ‘deliberate’ ramming.

Police were called to reports of a vehicle being driven at a man and a child near the junction of Victoria Road and Railway Approach in Laindon at about 5pm on Tuesday.

The child was unharmed, but the man was taken to hospital with leg injuries which may require surgery.

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One eyewitness told the Echo they saw the man spawled across the car bonnet.

“The was this deafening revving of an engine then loads of screaming,” they said.

“When I looked out I saw him across the bonnet as the car reversed away.

“It looked like the boy had jumped to the side and avoided being hit.

“As the car pulled away the man slid off and fell into the road.

“It was a terrifying experience, everyone was shouting and screaming as they tried to get him back inside safely away from the car.

“The car then sped off before an ambulance was called.”

East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) has since confirmed it was called to the scene at…

A spokesman for EEAST said: "One ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and and ambulance officer vehicle, were sent to Victoria Road, Laindon on Tuesday (March 21) following reports of a man injured.

"One patient was transported to hospital for further assessment and care."

Essex Police has launched an appeal to identify the driver of the vehicle.

Anyone who witnessed the alleged incident or saw the vehicle nearby is urged to contact the force.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We’re appealing for information and witnesses to an incident in Victoria Road, Basildon, between 5pm and 6pm on Tuesday 21 March.

"It was reported that a car was deliberately driven towards a man at the location.

"The man, 30s, sustained several injuries including an arm and leg injury.

"The car then left the location.

"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

"Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"In an emergency always call 999.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

"Please quote crime reference 42/51200/23 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible."