AN overturned van caused long delays for drivers on the A12 in north east Essex this morning.

The accident, at about 7.40am, happened on the northbound carriageway near Colchester, between junctions 29 for the A120 and 30 for Dedham Road, Stratford St Mary.

The driver of the white Vauxhall Vivaro is thought to have lost control and hit the central reservation and emergency services were sent to the scene.

An ambulance service spokesman said the driver, a man in his 50s, had suffered only minor injuries and was taken to Colchester General Hospital for treatment.