MORE details have now emerged about the accident this morning on Muckingford Road after which three people were taken to hospital and a person is reported to have fled the scene after the crash.

An air ambulance was deployed to the scene but not used to transport patients.

The accident happened around just before 6am on the Muckingford Road, just outside Chadwell St Mary.

Emergency services responded and the road was closed, with diversions put in place.

A statement from Essex Fire and Rescue Service says: "We were called to reports of a vehicle fire in Muckingford Road, today at 5.54am.

"Two crews, from Orsett and Grays, attended and found two cars had been in collision and caught fire.

"Ambulance crews were at the scene treating two casualties, who were out of the vehicles.

"Crews fully extinguished the fire by 6.41am."

And the East of England Ambulance Service has given out more details, saying: "We were called just before 6am to a road traffic collision between two cars.

"Three ambulances, a senior paramedic, and the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance were sent to the scene.

"Two patients were transported by road to Basildon & Thurrock Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

"A third patient was conveyed by road to The Royal London Hospital."

Essex Police said: "We were called to a two vehicle collision shortly before 6am. One person sustained a potentially serious pelvis injury and has been taken to hospital for treatment.

"It is also believed a person in one of the vehicles left the scene.

"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us. Please quote incident 128 of 25 January.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.