Drivers have been warned of major delays on the main route to Stansted Airport this morning with roads being shut following a serious collision.

The M11 in Essex has been closed southbound between J7A and J8 to allow emergency services to assist at the scene of the collision.

The incident occurred earlier this morning with Essex Police in attendance carrying out an investigation into the collision. Traffic Officers and National Highways Contractors are also on the road assisting with traffic management.

While the closure remains in place, National Highways has urged drivers to use the diversion route by following the Hollow Square diversion symbol on road signs.

Traffic is expected to last until later this morning

Posting on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, Essex Police said: "We are currently at the scene of a serious collision on the southbound M11.

"The road has been closed at junction 8 to allow emergency services to carry out their work, and is expected to remain closed for some time. Check before you travel and thank you for your patience."

National Highways expects the event to clear between 11:45am and 12pm later today.

Drivers are advised to exit at J8 Southbound onto the A120 west to Little Hadham. From here they should continue on the A120 through Little Hadham and Standon to the A120/A10 roundabout. At the roundabout take the first exit onto the A10 south.

They need to continue on the A10 through Colliers End, High Cross, Thundridge and Ware to the A10/A414(Harlow) roundabout.

At the A10/A414 roundabout take the first exit onto the A414 east to Harlow. Drivers should continue on the A414 through Harlow and rejoin the M11 at Junction 7.

National Highways shared: "The M11 in Essex is blocked in both directions between J9 Newmarket and J8 Stansted Airport due to a collision which has occurred southbound. Northbound is stopped to allow the Air Ambulance to attend the scene. More information to follow, thank you for your patience."

Traffic is currently at near standstill speeds with drivers crawling at 4pm. They are also being warned of more than 30 minutes.

Southbound routes have been closed by National Highways to allow police and emergency services to attend the scene

National Highways was first alerted to the incident at around 4.46am this morning with subsequent delays and traffic forming along the route.