Update: It is now understood that three people have tragically been killed following this crash with another injured. 

Motorists are facing delays of 35 minutes and increasing around the A13 after a major crash left the road partially closed throughout the night and into the morning.

The A13 was closed westbound between the M25 and A1306 last night around 11.35pm, with police on the scene and national highways officers assisting with road closures. 

Motorists who saw the crash on social media have claimed it was a serious "five car pile-up" though police have yet to release details on the exact nature of the crash

The closure has lasted all through the night and into the morning creating severe disruption for commuters, with delays of almost 40 minutes in the approach to the road.

The AA have warned of major disruption, reporting:  "Long delays due to crash investigation work on A13 Eastbound from Ferry Lane  to A1306 (Wennington Interchange)."