A MAN had to be cut free from a van after it crashed on the A13 in the early hours.

Three fire crews, two from Grays and one from Orsett, used special cutting equipment to release the driver after he crashed on the Southend-bound carriageway between the A1089 Orsett Cock and Dock Approach Road, Tilbury junctions at 3.03am this morning. 

Firefighters took around an hour to free him before he was taken from the scene by paramedics.

An Essex Fire and Rescue spokesman said: Police closed the road while firefighters stabilised the venicle and worked alongside paramedics to free the casualty. He was released by 4.03am and left in the care of the ambulance service."