TWO women were taken to hospital after being involved in a multi-vehicle crash on a road leading into Chelmsford.

Emergency services were called to the Chelmsford-bound A1114 Baddow Bypass at about 7.25am after the smash just before the Great Baddow turn-off.

It is believed one car has hit the central and there are between five and six vehicles are involved.

Police were forced to close the carriageway between Howe Green and the Army and Navy roundabout and divert traffic to other roads in the area.

Firefighters had to free a female from her car which had it rolled over following the crash before she and another woman was taken to Broomfield Hospital with serious injuries.

Long delays were caused to commuters travelling into the city this morning with congestion tailing back to the Rettendon Turnpike junction of the A130.

One lane of the bypass was reopened just after 9am.

An appeal for witnesses has been issued by police investigating the events which led to the crash.

Anyone with information should call Pc Fiona Rayner at Chelmsford road policing office on 101.