A MAN has died after he was hit by “several” lorries on a busy dual carriageway, causing gridlock for Essex motorists.

Police were called to junction 17 of the A12, near Howe Green, just after 6am today following reports of a collision.

The 65-year-old man, from Wickford, got out of his car which was parked in a layby and was then struck by at least one HGV.

Essex Police officers, the ambulance service and a doctor from Suffolk Accident Rescue Service attended but unfortunately he was declared dead at the scene. His family have been informed.

The London-bound carriageway was closed until just after noon as emergency services investigated the incident.

It caused travel chaos across Essex throughout the day as drivers tried to find alternative routes to avoid the A12.

Before the road reopened, traffic was being diverted along the A130, causing tailbacks in both directions, towards Chelmsford city centre and southbound to Runwell and the A127.

A police spokesman said: "Police were contacted at around 6.10am with reports of a collision involving a pedestrian and several HGVs.

“The pedestrian has died at the scene.”

An ambulance service spokesman said no one else was treated at the scene.

She said: “The ambulance service trust was called to a road traffic collision on the A12 near Howe Green at 6.10am.

“An ambulance, and ambulance officer and a doctor attended.”

Anyone who saw the collision is asked to contact Essex Police on 101 or emailcollisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.