A motorcyclist has died after hitting a tree during an off-road crash.

The 58-year-old man had been riding on a track between Ongar Road and School lane, in the tiny village of Berner Roding close to Ongar, at around 4.55pm on February 4.

Police say the bike hit a tree, causing the rider to sustain serious injuries.

Emergency service crews and members of the public attempted to save the man, who was from Ongar, but he died at the scene.

No other vehicles were involved in the incident.

The dirt track was closed while police carried out an investigation at the scene but at this time officers are not looking for any further witnesses.