Police issue statement after Michail Antonio involved in horrific road traffic accident

Police have issued a statement containing further details of Michail Antonio's car crash on Saturday.

On Saturday, rumours circulated that West Ham striker Antonio had been involved in a car crash - with an image of a ruined Ferrari in a woodland area widely shared on social media.

Not long after, West Ham confirmed their No.9 had indeed been involved in an road traffic accident and said their "thoughts and prayers" were with him and his family.

After fans and clubs posted well wishes online, the Hammers then posted an update on Antonio's situation, confirming he was in "a stable condition" and was "conscious and communicating" in hospital after the incident.

The statement from the club did not contain any details of the crash but that soon arrived from local police, who explained they were called after what they believe to be a "single vehicle collision" took place in Epping.

Police said emergency services quickly attended shortly after they arrived and transported the driver to hospital. A further investigation is to take place, with police encouraging anyone with information or footage to get in touch.

"We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday 7 December to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari," a statement read, as per the Daily Star.

"Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital. The vehicle has been recovered and we are no longer on scene. An investigation will be carried out by our Roads Policing Unit.

"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us. You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week."

Michail Antonio was involved in a car crash on Saturday afternoon. Image: Getty

A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service said "an ambulance, ambulance officer vehicle, rapid response vehicle and a response car from the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance" were on the scene after receiving the call, with the driver taken to hospital by road.

No information on Antonio's injuries have been disclosed at the time of writing.

Antonio, a Jamaica international, signed for the Hammers from Nottingham Forest back in 2015 and has scored 83 goals in 323 appearances. He is West Ham's record goalscorer in the Premier League with 68 strikes.

West Ham return to action on Monday when they host Wolves at the London Stadium.