A fifth person has been arrested after a fatal crash in Essex.

Officers were called to Blue Mills Hill in Wickham Bishops, near Witham, shortly after 11pm last night, where they found the silver Ford Fiesta and the black BMW 520 had crashed.

Both cars had left the road and the Fiesta had ended up in a hedge. The driver died at the scene.

Two men and two women were later arrested.

A 21 year-old man from Terling was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision, failing to report a collision, perverting the course of justice, and escaping lawful custody.

An 18 year-old woman from Witham, an 18 year-old woman from Colchester, and a 17 year-old boy from Maldon were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink or drug driving.

A 54 year-old woman from Terling has now been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All five remain in custody.

Inspector Rob Brettell, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our investigation is progressing well but I still need anyone who has information about the collision who we’ve not spoken to to come forward.

“I particularly need to speak to anyone who saw the BMW in the moments leading up to the collision.

“I also need to speak to anyone who saw a white Vauxhall Astra which we believe may have been travelling in convoy with the BMW”.

The road is expected to be closed until mid-afternoon, while officers investigate. Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident 1405 of October 10 or email the Collision Appeal.

Alternatively people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.