One dead, more still trapped on M25 crash in Essex

The vehicles involved were a Peugeot car, a Scania lorry, a DAF artic, a Mercedes lorry and a Romanian lorry. The man who died was pronounced dead at the scene and his body has now been taken to the mortuary at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.

He is believed to be a 39-year-old man from Leicester.

Four other people remain in hospital receiving treatment for injuries which are not believed to be serious.

The M25 currently remains shut between junctions 25 and 27 while clean up and repair work continue.

Police have now released the scene to the Highways Agency.

At this time we have one confirmed fatality and a number of people who are trapped in their vehicles. There is debris across both sides of the M25 and the motorway will be closed for the foreseeable future while we deal with this collision and begin our investigations to establish what has happened. If it is at all possible motorists are advised to avoid the area and find alternative routes. Nothing will be moving around this portion of the M25 for some considerable time, and the morning rush-hour is likely to be affected.

The M25 in Essex is closed in both directions between J23 (A1) - J27 (M11) clockwise, and J27 (M11) - J25 (Cheshunt) anti clockwise due to an incident. Early estimation is that both carriageways are likely to remain closed throughout the morning.

Diversion routes are in place.

Clockwise: road users may exit the M25 at junction 23 and follow the A1 southbound. Then join the A406 North Circular Road towards the M11. Join the M11 northbound, to re-join the M25 at junction 27.

Anti-clockwise: road users may exit the M25 at junction 27 and follow the 'hollow black square' diversion signage via the M11 southbound. A406 westbound and the A10 northbound.

Traffic approaching from Kent and Sussex wishing to travel to the North is advised to use the M25 clockwise.

Traffic approaching from the North (M1, A1, M40 etc) wishing to travel to Kent and Sussex is advised to use the M25 anti-clockwise.

Investigations are continuing and police are also working with the Highways Agency to clear the carriageways of debris so that repairs and resurfacing can be carried out.

No definite time for the reopening of the motorway can be set yet but it is likely to remain closed throughout the morning rush-hour.