THREE people have died and one is fighting for life after a lorry, minibus and car were involved in a horrific pile-up.

Cops rushed to the scene of a "serious collision" on the M25 near Waltham Abbey in Essex.

Cops said three people had been killed in the smash with a fourth in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The force said in a statement: "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.

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

Two people were arrested after the crash.

Detective Sergeant Steve Holmes 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.”

The motorway was closed in both directions and drivers were warned to avoid the area.

Essex Police tweeted: "We responded at 6.15pm to reports that a lorry, minibus and a car were involved in a collision.

"Anyone setting out to travel this evening (who is not already on the M25) is advised not to do so.

"Our officers are working as quickly as they can to get cars on the motorway moving."

The road remained closed late on Monday night.

Motorists were told to take another route if travelling before tomorrow's rush hour.

The East of England Ambulance Service tweeted: "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 involved."

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