A SERIOUS accident has caused the M11 to close southbound.

The accident happened shortly after 7am this morning and has caused the motorway to be shut southbound between junction 7 for Epping and Harlow and junction 6 for the M25.

A car came off the road and landed down an embankment, making rescue operations difficult.

Traffic is leaving the road at junction 7, with long queues backed up.

The road is expected to remain closed for the rest of the morning and police are advising drivers to find alternative routes.

More information to follow.