TRAFFIC came to a standstill on a busy main road this morning following a nasty three-vehicle crash.

Emergency services were called to the scene of an incident on the A120 between Frating and the Ardleigh interchange shortly after 8.20am.

Upon arrival it was established a trio of drivers had been involved in a serious smash and one person had to be taken to hospital.

As a result of the incident, motorists became stranded in a ten-mile tailback and faced a 48-minute delay.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: “We were called to a road traffic collision on the A120 near Ardleigh just after 8.20am today.

"An ambulance, two rapid response vehicles, a vehicle from the Hazardous Area Response Team, a senior paramedic in a support vehicle and the Basics Essex Accident Rescue Service were sent to the scene.

"One patient was transported to Colchester General Hospital for treatment.” 

It is understood nobody was seriously injured but Essex Police are now appealing for information.

A spokesman said: "We were called to a three-vehicle collision on the A120 near Ardleigh shortly after 8.20am today.

"No-one has been seriously injured.

"We need anyone who saw anything or has any CCTV, dash cam, or doorbell footage to contact us.

"If you have any information you can submit a report online at essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

"Please quote incident 183 of 22 February.

"You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."