A MAN has died following a crash in Stifford Hill, Thurrock, which saw a major link road closed all day (Friday,12 June) until 6pm.

That inevitably led to traffic congestion and diversions to local bus routes as Stifford Hill (B186) is the major road connecting South Ockendon with Grays.

Many police officers were at the scene, including forensic teams and the police helicopter hovered over North Stifford and along the Mardyke Valley.

A police statement says: "We were called shortly before 3am today. We expect the road to remain closed though much of this morning.

"We're advising drivers to avoid the area and plan their journey.

"If you saw anything, have any CCTV or dash cam footage, or have any other information in relation to the collision please call us on 101 quoting incident 104 of 12 June or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Update: Though no further information has been forthcoming from emergency services, police forensic teams were still working on the vehicle at 1pm and the road looks likely to be closed for some time yet.

Highways engineers are standing by to carry out repair work once the vehicles itself is recovered. A team of gas workers is also on site as the air does carry the smell of leaking gas, but it does not appear to be impeding the police investigation.

Ensign Buses on Route 22 have been diverting via Ship Lane and the Arterial Road both ways until the Road reopens. Buses cannot serve part of Stifford Road, Ford Place/ Stifford Hill or Sainsbury's.