A car driver has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving following a serious crash on the A1017 in Haverhill which has left one person with potentially life-changing injuries.

The A1017 is closed in both directions at the scene of the accident on Rowley Hill – and police expect it to remain closed for sometime yet.

It happened just before 10.30am today when a blue Volkswagen Golf was involved in a single vehicle crash near to the Sturmer Meadow roundabout.

An Essex police spokesman said: “Officers and paramedics attended and two people have been taken to hospital, one of which has potentially life changing injuries.

“The driver, a 28-year-old man from Liverpool, has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving.”

Four fire crews were also sent to the crash on the A1017, which has closed the road from the A143 at Rowley Hill to the B1057 at Bumpstead Road.

Traffic between Sturmer and Haverhill is being affected and nearby roads are slow-moving due to the increased congestion.

The worst delays appear to be around the roundabout with the A143.

The police spokesman added: “The road is expected to remain closed for a few hours while enquires are ongoing and any debris is cleared to ensure the safety of other road users.

“Motorists are asked to avoid the road and use an alternative route.”

Casualties have been taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the West Suffolk Hospital at Bury St Edmunds.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST), said seven ambulances, an ambulance officer vehicle and an air ambulance attended the scene.

A spokesman for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service added: “Combined fire control received two calls to a road traffic collision.

“Control mobilised four crews and an officer and informed police and ambulance control rooms.

“On arrival, crews confirmed two people were out with two still in the vehicle. Using cutting gear crews removed the roof and extricated the casualties. All casualties were left in the care of the ambulance service.”

Essex Police are asking drivers who witnessed or have dash cam footage of the incident or the moments before, to contact the Roads Policing Unit through its website by going to https://www.essex.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/.

Alternatively people can give information anonymously via independent charity Crimestoppers.

Witnesses should reference incident 423 of 6 Sept when providing any information.