A major road in Braintree has been closed following a serious crash near Great Notley Tesco, causing disruption for drivers across the area.
The A131 is currently shut in both directions near the Tesco superstore in Great Notley, with emergency services reportedly in attendance at the scene.
Early reports from local sources suggest the incident is serious, although details about the number of vehicles involved or any injuries have not yet been officially confirmed.
Drivers travelling between Braintree and Chelmsford are being urged to avoid the area, with traffic already building on surrounding routes including the A120 and nearby local roads.
The closure is expected to have a knock-on effect during peak travel times, particularly for commuters and those heading towards the A120 interchange.
At this stage, neither Essex Police nor highways authorities have released a full statement, and there is no confirmed timeline for when the road will reopen.
Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes and allow extra time for their journeys.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.