MOTORISTS have reported a significant incident on the A13 near Purfleet which has blocked the eastbound carriageway.

It is a multi-vehicle collision.

At 7.15am ( Friday, 10 January) the incident between Ferry Lane and the Purfleet turn off southend bound was being attended by emergency services.

Traffic had been static for 50 minutes with a long tailback building up.

Five fire engines, four police cars and ambulances were reported to have attended.

Essex Fire Service reported: "We were called to road traffic collision involving five cars and a van on the Ferry Lane to Wellington A13 turn off today 6.39am.

One crew from London Fire Service's Barking station also attended.

"Crews from Grays (two), Orsett and Brentwood attended."

A spokesperson for the Met Police said: "The eastbound carriageway has been closed while the scene is dealt with.

"There are reports of any serious injuries.

"Enquiries into the circumstances continue."