A WOMAN was rushed to hospital with "serious injuries" after an emergency incident on the A12 near Colchester.

Essex Police and the East of England Ambulance Service attended an incident on the major road this morning, following reports from members of the public concerned about the welfare of a woman. 

Police shut the road at about 10.30am to ensure safe access for the emergency vehicles as well as an air ambulance which was called to the scene. 

An Essex Police spokesman said at the time: "The A12 is currently closed in both directions at this junction while we make the scene safe, and we expect this will cause significant disruption. 

"Thank you for your patience while we carry out this work with our emergency service partners, and plan your journeys accordingly." 

Traffic was slow in the area during the incident, with miles of tailbacks on the A12.

Highways England introduced diversion routes along the slip and exit roads, to keep traffic moving around the closed area. 

Queues built up in both directions, up to Kelvedon and Colchester Stadium, with motorists facing delays of up to 40 minutes. 

Several public transport services in and around the city were also affected by the delays. 

The ambulance service later confirmed that a woman had been left in their care following the incident. 

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We sent an ambulance, two rapid response vehicles, the Hazardous Area Response Team and the air ambulance to reports of concerns for the welfare of a woman on a bridge over the A12 earlier today. 

“The patient fell from height and suffered serious injuries. She was transported by air to Addenbrookes Hospital for treatment.” 

The road was reopened at about 12.30pm, with traffic slowly returning to normal after.

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