Damilola detective hurt in hit and run

A senior murder squad detective is fighting for his life after being involved in a hit-and-run on the M11 today.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Crofts, who supervised the Damilola Taylor murder investigation, was riding a motorbike when he was hit by a car near Redbridge at about 7.20am.

Police are hunting for the driver after he fled the scene of the accident.

Mr Crofts, head of the Serious Crime Directorate in south London, was taken to hospital by air ambulance. He is understood to have lost the use of his arm and his condition is described as "serious".

Mr Crofts has been involved in a number of other high-profile investigations including the hunt for a serial rapist in south London.

The accident caused traffic chaos on the M11 southbound after the carriage was closed from the M25 junction.

Anyone with information should contact the Collision Investigation Unit at Chadwell Heath on 020 8597 4874.