POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a serious crash on the A13 near the M25 junction involving two Vauxhall cars which left five people injured.

The driver of a grey Vauxhall Vectra left the scene before police arrived and officers, the force helicopter and police dogs were all called in to search for him.

The Vectra collided with a black Corsa as they headed towards London at around 7.45pm on Saturday and the injured were taken to Queens Hospital Romford.

The road was closed to hunt for the missing driver and to investigate the scene and the road was reopened at 11.30pm and any witnesses should contact the Southern Road Policing unit on 0300 333 4444.