PART of the M25 in Essex is closed this morning due to a serious crash late last night. 

Police say a man has died following the incident and two other men have been arrested.

The anti-clockwise carriageway is shut between junction 27 (M11) and junction 25 (Enfield) and is unlikely to reopen until the afternoon. 

National Highways says all three emergency services were called to the incident around 10pm yesterday. 

Three vehicles were involved in the collision, with footage posted on social media showing at least one ending up in a nearby field and catching fire. 

The carriageway has been closed throughout the night, with trapped traffic turned around by police. 

Detective Sergeant Mark Palmer, who is leading the Met Police's probe into the crash, said: “A young man has sadly died and it is important that his family and friends know what happened to him.

"I would ask anyone who was using this stretch of road to check their dashcam footage for any recordings of this incident.

"Likewise any witnesses should get in touch with us immediately.”

A diversion route is in place, but National Highways has warned the route takes motorists through the London low emissions charging zone.

The diversion route is:

  • Exit the M25 anti-clockwise at J27 (for the M11)
  • Join the M11 southbound and continue until J4
  • At J4, merge onto the A406 North Circular Road Continue on the A406 westbound until the roundabout with the A10 (Great Cambridge Junction)
  • Take the 4th exit and join the A10 northbound (Great Cambridge Road)
  • Continue northbound on the A10 to then re-join the M25 anti-clockwise at J25 (Enfield)

Police have reportedly carried out an investigation and National Highways is now removing the vehicles involved and carrying out a clear up operation.