Police have confirmed that nine cows died in a crash on the A12 this morning, with traffic still disrupted.

Officers say the animals managed to get onto the road near Witham and were hit by a number of vehicles.

The incident happened early this morning, and traffic was diverted through the centre of Witham.

The road has now reopened in both directions and traffic returned to normal along the A12.

Disruptions along the A120 are ongoing, with slow traffic between Marks Tey and Coggeshall.

It is understood some people have suffered minor injuries as a result of the collisions.

An Essex spokesman said: “We were called just after 3am this morning, August 17, with reports that a number of vehicles had collided with cows on the A12 near Witham.

“Two people were treated by ambulance staff, both for minor injuries. One person was taken to hospital.

“It is believed that nine cows died in the incident.

“The A12 was closed at Witham for a number of hours while officers managed the scene, and drivers were diverted via Witham town centre.

“Both lanes were open again just before 9am.

“Thank you to motorists for their co-operation, as the incident caused significant disruption to the morning commute.”