1700 hrs

Appeal by Essex Police

Essex Police is continuing to appeal for information following a fatal collision on the M11 in Stansted between junction 8 and junction 6 today, Wednesday, January 16.

A 63-year-old man from Dunmow died after a dark coloured small vehicle was in collision with his Suzuki GSF at around 5am.

The victim was wearing a distinctive helmet with green and white flashing lights at the time.

The vehicle involved in the collision failed to stop at the scene and witnesses have reported it was seen to be driving erratically before the collision.

A spokesperson said: “We are also currently investigating further reports of tailgating and undertaking.

It was travelling southbound and may have travelled through London or Hertfordshire.

We are continuing our enquiries to find the driver and are supporting the motorcyclist’s family during this difficult time.

Senior investigating officer Inspector Rob Brettell, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We are reviewing dash cam footage and have spoken to a number of key witnesses, and are continuing our enquiries to find the other vehicle involved in this collision.

“It may well have damage to the driver’s side, possibly a dent or scratches to the paintwork. I urge anyone who has seen a vehicle matching this description or has any information that could help us identify the driver to contact with us.

“Has anyone arrived home tonight or at work this morning with new damage to their vehicles? Have you heard or spoken to someone who has mentioned having a collision early this morning?

“I suspect that the driver of this vehicle possibly drives the same route every day at a similar time. Even if you have the smallest amount of suspicion we want to know.

“I am also appealing for dash cam footage from anyone who was driving southbound or northbound on the M11 before, during and after this incident.

“Some motorists may not even be aware that they have captured something and this footage could be the key to solving this.”

“Anyone with information is asked to call our Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 quoting incident 104 of January 16 or email [email protected].
Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

UPDATE: 1230 hrs

M11 northbound – two lanes now OPEN past the scene of the earlier accident between J7 (Harlow) and J8 (Stansted). The northbound closures at J6 (M25) and J7 have been lifted.

Southbound M11 remains CLOSED from J8 (Stansted) to J7 (Harlow).

1020 hrs

From Chief Inspector Matt Cornish: M11 update. Aware some have been in tailbacks for five plus hours now.

Within the next 45 mins we hope to open the Southbound hard shoulder to allow traffic through, and after this, with the support of @essexhighways we will look to open two lanes on the NB side.

0945 hrs

UPDATE-M11 remains CLOSED northbound J6 (M25) to J8 (Stansted) after earlier accident–also CLOSED southbound between J8 (Stansted) and J7 (Harlow).

Delays A120 west from Takeley to M11 and on and surrounding roads including through Bishops Stortford, Hatfield Heath and Epping.

0900 hrs

A motorcyclist has died following a collision on the southbound M11 between Stansted and Harlow.

A motorbike and a small dark-coloured vehicle were in collision at around 5am.

Sadly, the rider of the motorbike – a man in his 60s – died at the scene and silver vehicle failed to stop at the scene.

The road has been closed in both directions: northbound between junctions seven and eight, and southbound between junctions six and eight.

We anticipate the road will remain closed into this afternoon and we’re working with Highways England to re-open it as soon as possible.

Diversions are in place and officers are working to turn around vehicles which are currently in the traffic.

Please avoid the area and plan your journey.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: “We’ll provide more updates when we can.

“We need anyone who saw what happened to come forward. We particularly want to speak to someone who saw a small dark-coloured vehicle in the area or was overtaken by it.

“If you saw what happened, have dash cam footage of the incident, or have any other information please call us on 101 quoting incident 104 of January 16th

0800 hrs

Message from Stansted Airport

Map of roads around M11

0715 hrs

On Twitter

From Chief Insp Cornish: “We will be starting to turn cars around on the M11 shortly.

Please remain within your vehicles and follow instruction from @EPRoadsPolicing to allow this to happen quickly and safely.

0655 hrs

Highways Agency: Details of diversions

0600 hrs

Serious RTC on M11 between a motorcycle and a lorry.

Essex Police about to put a full closure on between junctions 7 and 8,

Northbound: Between Junction 6 (M25) and Junction 8 (Stansted).

Southbound. Stansted to Harlow.

Please avoid the area.

Police will open them as soon as possible, but is likely to be several hours before both are reopened.