The A12 remained closed through this evening's rush hour after a car left the road and hit a tree near Colchester.

Emergency services, including two air ambulances, were at the scene of the "serious collision" on the northbound carriageway between Stanway and Marks Tey.

Traffic was stopped in both directions as fire crews try to rescue two people from the vehicle and to allow air ambulances to land.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "A car left the northbound carriageway at around 12.45pm today.

"The road has been closed and we anticipate it will remain shut through this evening’s rush hour."

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: "Two crews from Colchester, one crew from Witham and the Urban Search and Rescue team after one vehicle collided with a tree.

"Crews are working to rescue two casualties from the vehicle."

London-bound traffic was also being held at Eight Ash Green to allow the air ambulances to attend the scene.

Motorists were being asked to avoid the area.

A spokesman for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance said two helicopters — one from Earls Colne and another from North Weald — were in attendance.

Essex Police were asking drivers to remain in their vehicles as they tried to turn cars around to clear the traffic.

Anyone with any information or dashcam footage is asked to contact Essex Police quoting the incident number 479 of November 8.

The A12 is now fully reopen.

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