FIRE crews helped free someone who was trapped after a five car crash on the A12.

The cars were involved in a smash at 1.40pm between junctions 28 and 29 on the eastbound carriageway after a freak hail storm made driving conditions treacherous.

Fire crews from Colchester, Manningtree and Wivenhoe worked with paramedics to help release one person trapped in their vehicle.

They also made sure the other vehicles and roadway were made safe.

The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service at 2:40pm.