THE A12 has been shut near Colchester after a car spun out and hit the embankment.

The East of England Ambulance Service was called to the incident between Junctions 27 at Colchester and 29 at Ardleigh.

An ambulance is currently on scene and two patients are being treated for back pain.

All lanes are blocked northbound following the incident, which happened at about 4.09pm this afternoon.

Essex Police are also at the scene.

The A12 Londonbound is partially blocked from debris following the same crash.

Highways England has said the incident is expected to clear between 7.45pm and 8pm.

There is a 30 minute delay for traffic. 

UPDATE 5.51PM:  The A12 Londonbound has been re-opened following debris from the same accident partially blocking one lane 

UPDATE 6.06PM: Highways England has said the incident has now been cleared. 

UPDATE 7.05PM: Recovery is now complete, and all lanes are now open on the A12 northbound between the B1027 near Kelvedon and the A12 near Colchester.