A 49-year-old man has been arrested after a car towing a caravan overturned on the A12 in Essex this morning causing severe traffic delays southbound towards London.

Emergency services were called at around 5.45am today to reports of the crash between junction 18 A414 Maldon Road and junction 17 Southend Road on the A12 near Chelmsford.

According to a spokesman for Essex Police, a Nissan Terrano, which was towing a caravan, had overturned.

“When officers arrived on scene a large amount of diesel was found in bottles in the car,” he said

“These stayed intact, however a large amount of oil leaked from the car and spread across the road.

“Due to the recovery and clean up procedure the road was closed for a short period of time.

“The vehicles have been recovered, however one lane remains closed in order for the oil to be cleared but is due to be reopened shortly.

“A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of driving a car while unfit through drink or drugs, careless driving and failing to stop.

“He has been taken to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford by ambulance for minor injuries.”

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust said an ambulance and a rapid response vehicle had been sent to the scene.

According to the AA, the crash has caused damage to the central reservation barrier.

As a result of the crash, traffic is backed up all the way to the Kelvedon area in Essex.

Stay with us for more on this breaking news story and information on possible diversions.