A MAN who was arrested remains in hospital where he is being treated for serious injuries following a crash on the A13 in the early hours of yesterday morning which claimed the life of a young woman.

The 39-year-old man was driving a vehicle the wrong way on the eastbound carriageway near Dagenham when it was in collision with an oncoming car and the woman, aged 21, who was a passenger in it, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Prius was taken to hospital, but is not thought to be seriously injured. 

Police were following the van on the adjacent carriageway.

The collision happened at around 2.35am when the van crashed into the Toyota Prius car after failing to stop for Essex Police prior to entering the A13.

The van driver has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop for police and causing death by dangerous driving. 

Det Sgt Mike Rapp of the Metropolitan Police, which has charge of the investigation, said: "This is a terrible incident that has resulted in the tragic death of a young woman. 

"I am appealing for anyone who was driving on the A13 in the Dagenham area shortly after 2.30am and saw the events unfolding as this van drove on the wrong side of the Essex-bound carriageway to contact us. 

"There is footage circulating on social media of this incident that we are aware of; I would ask anyone in possession of footage to think about the family of the woman who has died and consider their feelings before sharing content. 

"I would also urge anyone who has images or footage of the incident to provide these to police so that we can build a comprehensive picture of this collision." 

The Met is urging anyone with information to call its serious collision investigation unit on 020 8597 4874. Alternately, call the police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD562/25Nov.