A woman was cut free from her vehicle following a multi-vehicle crash involving three HGVs and three cars which closed the Queen Elizabeth II bridge tonight.

Crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service were sent to assist their Essex counterparts and police at the scene of the accident on the southbound side of the bridge just after 8pm.

Kent crews stabilised one of the vehicles to prevent any unexpected movement for the casualty, then used heavy rescue cutting equipment to enable them to release the woman trapped in one of the cars.

She was taken to hospital but the extent of her injuries is not yet known.

Traffic on the clockwise M25 was held at junction 31, Thurrock, while the wrecked vehicles were removed.

Essex Police confirmed they were called but refused to provide any further details.