A WOMAN has died and a man is seriously injured after a multiple pile up near Loughton last night.

Four cars and a van were involved in the accident which happened on the north-bound stretch between junctions four and five of the M11 motorway shortly before midnight on Friday, March 27.

The woman was a passenger in a car which was hit by two other cars during a series of crashes.

The driver of the car sustained serious head injuries.

He was taken to Whipps Cross University Hospital in Leytonstone last night before being transferred this morning to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery – a specialist hospital dealing with head injuries – in central London.

He is currently in a serious condition.

Next of kin are yet to be informed.

Fire-fighters used specialist cutting equipment to rescue two people who were trapped.

Police have arrested two men on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and they remain in custody.

The motorway was closed during the night while police investigated the crash but has since been re-opened.

Fire crews from Loughton, Hainault and Harlow were called to the crash at 12.02am.

They left the scene at 12.51am.

Police are appealling for witnesses.

If you have information about the crash call Chigwell Road Policing Unit on 01279 621 866.