Man in his 50s dies in fail to stop collision on A120 near Coggeshall
Police are exploring a possible connection to a white van with significant fire damage near the incident
Last updated 4th Jan 2026
A man in his 50s has died following a fail to stop collision on the A120 near Coggeshall yesterday morning (3 January).
Police were alerted to the accident, which occurred on the Colchester-bound carriageway between West Street and Colne Road, at 7am.
Officers discovered several vehicles had been at the scene but are now treating the case as a fail to stop collision.
The man's family has been informed and is receiving support.
Investigators are looking into the circumstances surrounding the collision and exploring a possible connection to a white van with significant fire damage. The van was discovered in a layby on the Braintree-bound carriageway near Watery Lane, Bradwell.
A call made to police shortly before the collision, at 6.50am, described a vulnerable man with grey hair and dark clothing walking alone on the A120 towards Colchester. Police say this description matches that of the man who died.
Police call for witnesses
Inspector James Freeman, from the roads policing unit, is leading the investigation.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family of the man who has tragically lost his life today.
“We have been working throughout the day to build a picture of what happened on the A120 this morning and I’m asking anyone with information on either the man seen walking or the white van which was fire-damaged to please come forward.
"You may have dashcam footage which you haven’t yet checked because you weren’t aware of the situation; I would urge you, please do check it. Your information may be crucial to our investigation.”
Officers are asking anyone who was driving on the A120 between Bradwell, Coggeshall, and Colchester between 6.30am and 7.10am to get in touch if they saw the man.
Police are also keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the van being ignited in a layby or someone accessing it.
People are being urged to submit information through the police’s online reporting service, their Live Chat function, or calling 101 quoting incident 192 of 3rd January 2026.