A woman has died after failing to recover from a car crash on Christmas Day.

Joyce Ashworth, of Hart Road, Thundersley, was fatally injured during the collision at Kent Elms Corner between a black Peugeot 207 and a white Subaru estate.

Ms Ashworth, a passenger in the Peugeot, suffered head and hip injuries in the crash.

The 41-year-old driver of the Subaru, who lives in Southend, has now been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs.

He has been released on Police bail pending further investigation into the case. FOR FULL STORY, SEE TOMORROW'S ECHO.