Police have shut off a key road with drivers warned to avoid the area after a "serious" crash.

Emergency services are on the scene of the serious crash in Southend Road, Howe Green, after being called to the scene at 1.30pm today.

The road is closed in both directions from Church Road, West Hanningfield to East Hanningfield Road, and is expected to remain closed for "a number of hours".

Drivers are being urged to find other routes and avoid the area.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We’re on the scene of a serious collision on Southend Road in Howe Green, Chelmsford.

"We were called to the scene at 1.30pm today.

"The road is currently closed in both directions from Church Road, West Hanningfield to East Hanningfield Road and is expected to remain closed for a number of hours.

"We would urge motorists to please find other routes and avoid the area if they can.

"We will provide updates as soon as we practically can. 

"Thank you for your patience."