Update: 0800 hrs

We are now in a position to confirm that a number of people have died in this evening’s collision on the M25.

Tragically, three people have been killed and a fourth person remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

We are working to inform their loved ones at this time and we would urge that, out of respect for the families, there is no speculation in the meantime.

Our officers were called to the scene, just outside Waltham Abbey, shortly before 6.15pm this evening, Monday 23 August.

The anti-clockwise carriageway remains closed between Junctions 27 and 26 whilst we continue our investigation and we would urge anyone with information or dash cam footage to come forward.

We are particularly keen to trace the movements of all three vehicles – a Mondeo, a minibus and a lorry – leading up to the collision.

Anyone with information who has not yet spoken to our officers is urged to do so.

Detective Sergeant Steve Holmes, from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit, spoke from the scene to thank those who had assisted officers in the investigation so far.

He said: “This evening has been incredibly challenging and we are continuing to work as quickly as we can to piece together exactly what led to this tragic incident.

“My thoughts, and those of all officers on scene are with the families of those who lost their lives this evening.

“At present, two drivers have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

“I need anyone with further information to come forward.

“The road has remain closed whilst our colleagues tended to those who were injured and whilst we have gathered evidence and preserved the crime scene.

“I would like to thank everyone on the M25 for their patience – I know it’s been a long night, and our colleagues in Highways England are aiming to get you off of the motorway by 2am.

“Please make sure you get home safely and, if you have any information at all that can help us, don’t hesitate to report it.”

Anyone who witnessed the collision, has dash cam footage, or has information on it should submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the ‘Live Chat’ button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

You can also call us on 101 and cite incident 972 of Monday 23 August.

Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org.

Update: 2300 hrs

Our officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to a serious collision on the M25 earlier this evening.

Our colleagues in Highways England are working to try and move stationary cars from the motorway.

Thank you to drivers and passengers for their patience.

Emergency services are continuing their crucial work at the scene of this complex multiple-vehicle collision, which occurred just before 6:15pm on Monday 23 August.

We will continue to bring you updates as often as we can.

Update: 2100 hrs

From Essex Police

We’d like to thank members of the public for their patience as we remain on the scene of a serious collision on the M25.

We were called at 6.15pm to reports that several vehicles – a lorry, a minibus and a car – were involved in a collision between Junctions 26 and 27.

As a result, the motorway remains closed anti-clockwise between the junctions for #Waltham Abbey and the #M11.

We know that being in traffic can be frustrating, but we’d urge pedestrians to stay out of live lanes so we, and our colleagues in other emergency services, can carry out crucial work on scene.

The road will remain closed for hours and, if you’re considering travelling before tomorrow’s rush hour, please seek an alternate route.

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East of England Ambulance Service

We are at the scene of a serious collision on the M25 near Waltham Abbey. We have sent our Hazardous Area Response Team, two air ambulances, nine ambulances, four ambulance officers and an LAS vehicle. Both carriageways have closed and we are treating a number of people involve

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OFFICERS are on the scene of a serious collision on the M25 near Waltham Abbey.

Both carriageways will close shortly.

If on the M25, please follow directions from officers on the scene. If you can, avoid the area.

More follows.