RAIL services are returning to normal in south Essex after a crash between a lorry and bridge caused delays.

Hawk Hill, in Battlesbridge, was closed for several hours this morning due to the incident.

Echo:

An eyewitness said the lorry hit the bridge at ‘some speed’ at around 11.15am and caused the trailer to ‘snap in half’.

Greater Anglia was forced to suspend train services between Wickford and Southminster until 1pm, with the line reopening once inspectors had deemed it safe.

Echo:

The lorry was eventually removed from under the bridge by 1.30pm.

However, it is understood Hawk Hill remains closed to traffic.

The railway line reopened 'under caution' but Greaater Anglia said services between Southminster and Wickford will be terminating at North Fambridge.

Anyone affected by the delays can apply for compensation via the Greater Anglia website.