M25 closed in Essex after multi-vehicle crash

Part of the M25 has been closed after a multi-vehicle crash near Waltham Abbey.

Essex Police said the motorway was closed anti-clockwise between junctions 27 and 26 following the collision shortly after midnight.

Reports suggested several lorries and one car were involved in the crash.

Drivers were urged to avoid the area while emergency services responded to the incident throughout Monday night.

Highways England announced a diversion via the M11 southbound, the A406 and the A10 in order to rejoin the M25 at junction 25.

The agency tweeted two hours after the crash: "If you're held in traffic within the M25 anti-clockwise closure J27 - J26, thanks for your patience, ... following authorisation from Essex Police we're preparing lane 4 to allow you to pass incident and continue your journey."

Essex Police tweeted: "Motorists are urged to avoid the M25 at Waltham Abbey jct 27-26 in both directions. The road is closed following a serious collision and is expected to remain so for some time. Thank you."