Drivers are facing miles of queues on the A12 after a lorry overturned in the carriageway and a crash took place in the queues.

The HGV overturned early this morning between junctions 30 and 29 on the southbound carriageway.

A crash involving four vehicles took place shortly afterwards.

Essex Police have told drivers to avoid the area 

A spokesman said: "We’re urging drivers to plan their journey after a collision near Dedham.

"We’re helping Suffolk Police guide small amounts of traffic through, but the A12 is likely to remain closed for a significant time.

"It's currently closed in both directions btwn Junc 31 & Junc 29."

Both sides of the carriageway are closed whilst an air ambulance lands at the scene. 

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Here is a map showing the queues on the A12 around Colchester:

Gazette:

There are now also delays on the southbound diversion route through Manningtree and Ardleigh.