A MAN has been airlifted to hospital after a three-vehicle crash on a major Essex motorway which remains shut off this evening.

The M11 was closed in both directions after 3.30pm this afternoon after a crash between junctions five and six.

The southbound carriageway has now re-opened and two lanes of the northbound carriageway has reopened.

A man has been taken to hospital by air ambulance with injuries to his leg.

Delays are expected to continue for the coming hours. Drivers should continue to check before they travel and plan accordingly.

Essex Police said earlier this afternoon: "We expect the disruption to last for several hours.

"Drivers should check before they travel and plan accordingly. Thank you for your patience."