Drivers faced huge delays on the A12 this lunchtime after a spillage forced police to close the road.

The northbound carriageway was closed to all traffic after diesel was spilled onto the road between junction 23 and junction 24 at Kelvedon.

Essex Police says the spillage is thought to have been caused by a collision involving a lorry. 

No one was injured in the collision. 

The Force Control Room has taken to Twitter to warn motorists about delays.

It tweeted: "We have @EP_RPU_North on scene, there is a lot of spillage on the road, please avoid for now if you can."

Queues have already formed several miles back to junction 20 at Hatfield Peverel.

Update 13:12

One lane has now reopened to traffic but police are warning it may have to be closed again. 

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We've closed the A12 northbound at Kelvedon following a fuel spill at 12.20pm today.

"We received reports that a large amount of fuel leaked onto one lane of the road after lorry was involved in a collision.

"The driver was not injured and we have closed one lane."

Essex Fire and Rescue Service says crews were called to the scene but were not needed. 

Update 3.30pm

Essex Police has confirmed both lanes have now reopened to traffic.