A car travelling the wrong way along the A13 has caused a multi-vehicle accident near Basildon.

Both sides of the carriageway were initially closed after the crash - between Pitsea and the Five Bells Interchange.

Police received a number of reports of a car travelling the wrong way on the A13 near Basildon at 12.30pm today.

A red Peugeot was reported to be driving the wrong way on the London-bound carriageway.

Subsequently police received reports of several vehicles being involved in collisions, one striking the central reservation resulting in a man sustaining neck and back injuries which required treatment at hospital.

The woman driver of the Peugeot, aged in her 80s, was also taken to Basildon Hospital.

The road was closed between the Five Bells junction and the Pitsea flyover at the A132 from shortly after 1pm for about 40 minutes while the scene was cleared.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Police received a number of reports of a car travelling the wrong way on the A13 near Basildon at 12.30pm.

"A red Peugeot was reported to be driving the wrong way on the London-bound carriageway.

"A number of vehicles were involved in a collision between the Five Bells Interchange and the Pitsea flyover shortly after 1pm.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed two drivers had been taken to Basildon Hospital.

A man in his 30s or 40s, suffering from neck and back injuries, was put in a neck brace as a precaution, while a woman in her 80s was also taken to hospital, although she is not believed to be seriously injured.

All lanes had reopened by 1.45pm, but traffic was queueing back to the Sadlers Farm roundabout.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to contact them at Laindon Road Policing Unit on 101.