Three people have died and a fourth person is fighting for life after a crash on the M25 involving a lorry, a minibus and a car.

Two people have been arrested following the collision, which occurred near Waltham Abbey in Essex at around 6.15pm last night.

Nine ambulances, two air ambulances, several police vehicles plus fire engines from four local areas were rushed to the scene

The were severe delays as a section of the motorway between junctions 27 and 26 were closed for some 11 hours.

Essex Police said two drivers were arrested on suspicion of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.

Police said they were eager to trace the movements of all three vehicles – a Ford Mondeo, a minibus and a lorry – leading up to the collision.

They are urging witnesses with dashcam footage or any information to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Steve Holmes, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: ‘This evening has been incredibly challenging and we are continuing to work as quickly as we can to piece together exactly what led to this tragic incident.

‘My thoughts, and those of all officers on scene are with the families of those who lost their lives this evening.

‘At present, two drivers have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

‘I need anyone with further information to come forward.’

Emergency services have also thanked drivers for their patience in the face of delays of several hours due to the collision.

Highways England tweeted soon after 5am that the road had reopened.

Parv Domah was among those caught up in the traffic tailbacks near junction 26.

Describing the scenes unfolding last night he said: ‘I can’t tell you exactly what happened, I can only say I’ve been here going on three hours.

‘There were approximately 30 emergency vehicles that drove past in that time, as well as two air ambulances.

‘Traffic was stopped on both sides of the carriageway at one point and now on the anti-clockwise is still shut.’

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