Drivers were urged to avoid the A12 at Colchester this evening (Saturday, May 25) following a 'serious' crash on a slip road.

Police remain at the scene of a collision on the southbound slip road at junction 27.

The slip road was closed to traffic shortly after the crash, which happened sometime after 6pm.

Highways England then confirmed both sides of the A12 were  closed to all traffic between junction 26 at Eight Ash Green and junction 28, which is close to the JobServe Community Stadium. 

The north section of the Essex Roads Policing Unit also asked motorists to avoid the area as the A12 was expected to remain closed throughout the evening. 

In a statement posted on Twitter, it said: "We are currently on scene at a serious collision at J27 of the A12 this involves both the on slip and the off slip Spring Lane, Colchester.

"The road will be closed for investigation work to be carried out.

"Please find alternative routes and allow extra time for your journey."

Both sides of the A12 were reopened just after 9pm but the entry and exit slip roads at junction 27 remain closed.

UPDATED: 9.21PM

Essex Police has now confirmed a motorcyclist has been left with life-threatening injuries following the collision.