One arrest after Essex crash injures five people

A man has been left with life-changing injuries following a crash in Essex in which five people were hurt.

A 40-year-old man from Middlesex has been arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs. He is in police custody.

Officers were called to the southbound carriageway of the A12, between Witham and Hatfield Peverel, shortly after midnight on Monday May 2.

A blue Vauxhall Zafira travelling towards London had left the road and hit trees.

The fire service and ambulance service were also contacted and the road was closed between junctions 21 and 22 for seven hours while officers investigated.

Five people, all from London, were taken to hospital.

One man suffered multiple injuries, which were described as life changing.

A 26-year-old man broke his collarbone, a 30-year-old woman suffered head, back and arm injuries, a 31-year-old woman injured her head and pelvis, and a 15-year-old girl suffered minor injuries.