Detectives investigating an attempted murder in Great Baddow are exploring possible links to a burnt out car.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident in Dorset Avenue which happened at about 10.15pm on Thursday November 21 when a 17-year-old boy and his friend were hit by a dark-coloured BMW.

The victim was then stabbed in the lower body as he lay on the ground.

The BMW then drove off, in company with a second BMW which police have been looking to trace.

A report was made to the fire service at about 9.20pm on Friday, November 22 that a BMW X5 that been burned out in Warren Road, Rettendon.

Police are treating this as arson and are exploring whether it is connected to the attempted murder.

The victim remains sedated in hospital and his condition is described as critical. Police family liaison officers are supporting his family.

His friend, a man in his twenties, was struck a glancing blow by the car but was unharmed.

DCI Mark Hall of Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, who is leading the investigation, said: "We urgently need to speak to anyone who believes they may have seen either of the BMWs involved in this incident.

"We are currently looking into this burned out car to see if it could be linked in any way to the attempted murder, so we also need to hear from anyone who may have any information about this arson or the earlier assault. "

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.