Three people have been taken to hospital and arrested in connection with a host of offences after an early morning crash has closed a busy road.

Essex Police are currently on the scene of the crash in Epping High Road, which happened shortly before 4am this morning.

The incident involved a Jaguar XE.

Police say three people who were in the car have been taken to hospital and have been arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, being unfit to drive through drink or drugs and dangerous driving.

The force also says two people remain outstanding.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "The road is currently closed in both directions and we are advising motorists to avoid the area as we continue our investigations.

"We are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or has any footage of it to get in touch.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information on it should submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

"You can also call us on 101 and cite incident 158 of today May 1.

"Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org."