THE A120 at Dunmow was closed in one direction following a serious road accident between a car and a horsebox today.

The eastbound carriageway was shut by police after a collision near the junction with the B1256 between Dunmow and Stansted at 5.45pm today.

A man was trapped in his car and two horses were also trapped.

Five fire engines, including an animal rescue unit, went to the scene.

A brigade spokesman said: "Crews were called to a road traffic collision on the A120 between Stansted and Dunmow involving two vehicles - one of which was carrying two horses.

"On arrival firefighters reported that one man was trapped in his vehicle and that two horses were trapped in the horsebox, which was still on all four wheels "Firefighters worked to release the man from his car and left him in the care of the ambulance service."

The animal rescue unit worked with a vet and the horses' owner to assess the condition of the animals.

They were released by 7.35pm and left in the care of the vet.

Traffic was being diverted down the Stortford Road through Dunmow and rejoining the A120 at the B1008.