A man who died following an eight-vehicle accident on the A12 has been named.

Police, three ambulances and five fire crews were called to the A12 near Colchester just past the junction to the A120 at around 6.30am on Friday following the crash involving seven cars and one lorry.

Factory worker Karol Boronski, 44, originally from Poland but now living in Lowestoft, died at the scene.

A man in his 40s, from Witham, suffered serious injuries.

A 19 year old from Suffolk was also badly injured and is being treated at Colchester General Hospital. Both were said to be in a stable condition on Friday night.

Ambulance manager Trevor Redburn said: "One patient suffered very serious injuries and could not be saved. "Sadly, this person was confirmed deceased at the scene. "A man thought to be in his 40s suffered serious head injuries. "His treatment was overseen by a BASICS doctor, who travelled in the ambulance with the patient while he was transported to Queen's Hospital in Romford. "His condition on arrival was believed to be potentially life-threatening. "A woman estimated to be in her mid 20s suffered cuts to her head and hand and was treated by ambulance crews before being taken to Colchester General Hospital. "A further five 'walking wounded' patients were checked over at the scene by ambulance crews but didn't need hospital treatment. "Ambulance personnel worked closely with police and fire crews to manage this complicated incident and ensure all of the victims received the best possible care. "Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased patient at this very sad time."

Queues stretched back more than seven miles on Friday morning as police closed the northbound carriageway and one lane southbound.

Motorists were diverted along the A133 and the A1232, and delays were reported on major roads across Colchester.

The road re-opened at junction 27 at 9.45am, with motorists exiting and rejoining the A12 via the slip roads at the Ardleigh Interchange.

Part of the A12 remained closed until Friday afternoon.

Police investigating the fatal crash wish to speak to any witnesses, including two motorists - one believed to be driving a silver BMW estate - thought to have had their cars damaged in the crash but who had driven off before police had arrived.

Witnesses are urged to contact Stanway Road Policing Unit on 01206 762512.

* Train users travelling into London also faced hold-ups on Friday morning.

Emergency engineering work in the Kelvedon area added around half an hour to commuters' journeys.

A reduced service was run between Norwich and London Liverpool Street and trains between Braintree and London Liverpool Street operated between Braintree and Witham only.