POLICE are appealing for witnesses after three people died in a serious crash on the A13 near the Essex border. 

Met Police officers attended the scene of a collision involving a moving car and a secondary stationary vehicle shortly after 10pm on Monday, 15 July.

It happened on the A13 in Wennington Marshes, Rainham. 

Police services were initially called after an initial non-fatal collision involving the stationary vehicle but the second fatal collision occurred before officers could arrive.

Emergency services from the East of England Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade attended the scene where three people were pronounced dead.

A fourth person was taken to hospital for treatment and has now been discharged. 

Police have not made any arrests so far and continue to appeal for witnesses following the tragic incident. 

DI Julie Trodden, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and my thoughts remain with the families of those who lost their loved ones.

“We are keen to speak with anyone who may have been driving along this stretch of road around 10pm on 15 July and who may have dashcam footage of the incident.”

The police response to the initial collision has now been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Both the Metropolitan Police and Essex Police have made referrals to the IOPC after the crash was very close to the areas covered by both forces.

Anyone with information should call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0208 597 4874 or message @MetCC on quoting 8672/15JUL.