3 people have died following M25 crash involving a minibus, a car and a lorry

Tragically three people have been killed and a fourth person remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries, following a collision on the M25 involving three vehicles. Officers were called to the scene, just outside Waltham Abbey, shortly before 6.15pm on the evening of Monday 23 August.

The anti-clockwise carriageway was closed between Junctions 27 and 26 whilst law enforcement continue their investigation.

The force is urging anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward.

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

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

Detective Sergeant Steve Holmes, from Essex Police 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 dashcam 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 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.