MOTORISTS were warned to keep away from a major Essex road after a gas tanker overturned this morning.The accident happened in South Hanningfield Road near Rettendon and led to a 200-yard emergency exclusion zone being set up around the stricken vehicle.

By Roddy Ashworth

MOTORISTS were warned to keep away from a major Essex road after a gas tanker overturned this morning.

The accident happened in South Hanningfield Road near Rettendon and led to a 200-yard emergency exclusion zone being set up around the stricken vehicle.

However, the tanker crashed at a point where the road goes underneath the new A130 and police warned that later today they may have to close it to traffic as the lorry is righted.

Officers have issued advice to motorists recommending they avoid the area if at all possible or face possible delays.

One woman was evacuated from her home following the 10.20am crash and both residents of a nearby travellers' site and workers at an industrial estate were briefed on the situation.