A TRAGIC crash that killed an Essex couple does not appear to have been caused by the sub-zero temperatures gripping the region, a policeman has said.

The husband and wife died when the car they were travelling in crashed into a bridge on the A120 and burst into flames.

It happened at 2.45am on Sunday as freezing conditions were affecting many of the region’s roads.

But Pc Roger Manser, who is investigating the incident on behalf of Essex Police, said: “The investigation will look at all aspects of the collision but it [the freezing weather] does not appear to have been a factor.”

The couple, believed to be heading back to their home in Clacton, were travelling in a silver Ford Focus when it left the eastbound carriageway and hit a bridge support. It is believed the car, which was between the Ardleigh and Clacton turn-offs when the accident happened, was the only vehicle involved in the crash.

Pc Manser, of the Stanway Road Policing Unit, also reiterated his appeal for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

He said: “People who have not spoken to the police already should get in touch if you saw the vehicle prior to the accident or the accident itself.”

A spokesman for Essex Fire and Rescue Service, who were called to the scene shortly before 3am, said although the blaze was put out quickly the victims were dead on arrival.

Crews, from Colchester and Wivenhoe, used hydraulic cutting equipment to release the bodies from the wreckage.

Identification of the couple is not expected until later this week.

Pc Manser added: “The identification has not been done on the bodies and until that happens we can’t release any further details.”

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to call the Stanway Road Policing Unit on 0300 333 4444.