POLICE have issued an update after a major crash closed the A120 near Braintree on Sunday afternoon.

A multiple vehicle incident on the westbound carriageway of the A120 close to Felstead saw emergency services swarm to the scene in response, with ambulances, fire engines, police cars, and an air ambulance in attendance.

Pictures also emerged on social media of two cars which had come off at the side of the road.

A statement from Essex Police confirmed two people were hospitalised – one with life-threatening injuries.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We remain on the scene of a serious collision which took place on the westbound carriageway of the A120 close to Felstead.

“We were called to reports of a collision involving five vehicles at about 1.20pm this afternoon, Sunday 8 January.

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“One person has been taken to hospital having sustained life-threatening injuries; another person has been taken to hospital for assessment.”

The police confirmed the road is still likely to be closed until around midnight, or into the early hours of Monday morning.

“The road was closed in both directions for a time while the air ambulance landed.

“The eastbound road was re-opening by 3.10pm but the westbound carriageway remains closed as investigative work is carried out.

"We expect the road to remain closed until about midnight.

“As part of our investigation, we need anyone who witnessed the incident or who has mobile phone or dashcam footage of it to get in contact.”