Traffic has been brought to a standstill by a serious crash on the A13 tonight.

The London-bound carriageway is believed to be completely closed and motorists have taken to social media to report they have not moved for a considerable amount of time.

Witnesses have reported traffic backing up between the Pitsea flyover and the Five Bells interchange.

It is not known how many cars are involved or if anyone has been seriously injured but reports suggest police, fire and ambulance, are all currently at the scene.

This is a breaking news story. We will bring you more when it becomes available.