A FOUR-vehicle crash caused delays for motorists on the A12 last night.

Two cars and a lorry on the northbound carriageway and a car travelling southbound were involved in the accident, which happened just south of Chelmsford shortly after 8pm.

Two men were able to be released from their cars before fire crews arrived, but a third man had to be cut out using hydraulic cutting equipment. He was left in the care of the ambulance service.

Police said there were not believed to be any serious injuries. Both lanes of the northbound carriageway were closed while the accident was cleared up.