POLICE have launched an appeal for witnesses after a serious M25 crash near Lakeside shopping centre.

Emergency services were called to the motorway, between junction 31 and junction 30 at Thurrock, at around 3.15pm on Saturday.

This was following reports of a two-car crash involving a Toyota car and Volkswagen van.

The road was shut off for several hours whilst vehicle removal took place.

Investigating officers believe there may be people who witnessed the collision and have not spoken to police yet.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "If you have any information, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday - excluding public holidays - between 10am and 9pm.

"Visit essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

"Alternatively you can call us on 101."

To make an anonymous report, contact independent charity Crimestoppers by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

"Please quote incident 654 of the 20 April when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible," the spokesman added.