Drivers are reportedly facing “severe delays” on the A12 this evening following two accidents – both involving four vehicles.

People using the road in Essex reported traffic at a “standstill” around Chelmsford and advised motorists to take other routes.

Essex Police said it received reports of a four vehicle crash on the A12 northbound at Kelvedon, shortly after 4pm.

A police spokesman said no injuries had been reported.

However, two people were taken to hospital following a separate accident on the A12 northbound at Hatfield Peveral.

Emergency services were contacted shortly before 4.20pm following reports a lorry, two Ford Fiestas and a Jeep had collided.

A police spokesman said the Fiesta drivers, both women, were taken to hospital.

The road was closed while the scene was cleared but has since reopened.

The AA traffic website, said the road was partially blocked with “severe delays”.

Essex County Council’s travel news page said traffic was also slow on the southbound carriageway also due to onlookers.

Essex Police confirmed at around 5.45pm that the northbound A12 had reopened at Hatfield Peverel.

“Thank you for your patience while emergency services dealt with this incident,” the force tweeted.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters worked with paramedics to help release two casualties trapped in the vehicles.