A CRASH has closed a road in Hockley.

Greensward Lane in the town has been closed near the train station, causing heavy traffic and long delays.

It is understood three vehicles were involved, and the road is completely blocked both ways.

The crash has affected bus routes from Arriva including service number seven, which will now divert around the road via Rectory Road to Ashingdon Road.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

A spokesman for Essex Fire Service said: "Crews were called to a road traffic collision on Greensward Lane, Hockley, at 7.46am this morning.

"On arrival firefighters reported that a number of vehicles, including a lorry were involved, and two people were medically trapped in their vehicle.

"Firefighters worked with paramedics to safely release the casualties from the vehicle and made the scene safe by 8.23am."

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: "An ambulance and a rapid response vehicle were called to a three-vehicle road traffic collision on shortly before 8am this morning.

"Two patients were transported to  Southend Hospital for further assessment and care."