An 86-year-old motorist from Stevenage has sadly died in hospital after being gravely injured when his car hit a wall in the town centre this morning.

The Comet: Emergency crews outside the Ibis Hotel in Stevenage after the car crash. Photo: @AmboOfficerEmergency crews outside the Ibis Hotel in Stevenage after the car crash. Photo: @AmboOfficer (Image: Archant)

The 86-year-old male driver was left with life-threatening injuries after the crash just before 8.30am – in Swingate, opposite the Ibis hotel – and had to be cut free from the black Vauxhall Vectra by firefighters.

Paramedics, on the scene within five minutes, treated him at the scene before taking him to the Lister Hospital in a serious condition.

A police spokeswoman confirmed this afternoon that he had sadly died from his injuries.

The Comet: Emergency crews outside the Ibis Hotel in Stevenage after the car crash.Emergency crews outside the Ibis Hotel in Stevenage after the car crash. (Image: Archant)

The scene was attended by emergency crews including the East Anglian Air Ambulance, police, two Stevenage fire engines and an ambulance rapid response vehicle, officer and crew.

Officers working to establish what happened are now appealing for anyone who saw the black Vauxhall Vectra before or at the time of the crash to contact police.

Anyone with information should contact PC Shona Gillen from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Forensic Collision Investigation Unit on 01438 757647 or 101, quoting ISR 164 of February 17.

The Comet: Police at the scene of the crash.Police at the scene of the crash. (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)