Woman dies after 'police incident' that shut the A12 for hours near M25 junction

A woman has sadly died following a police incident that closed the A12 for four hours this morning (January 19). The closure began at 6.10am this morning, and remained in place until about 10am.

The closure impacted traffic heading southbound. It took place between J12 A1023 Chelmsford Road (Mountnessing / Shenfield) and M25 J28 (Brentwood / Brook Street Roundabout).

National Highways said at the time: "The A12 southbound is currently closed to assist with an Essex Police led incident. Our area team crews are en route to to assist with traffic management at the closure point.

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"Unfortunately due to this being a police led incident National Highways is unable to provide any information on the incident itself or when the A12 southbound may re-open."

It has now sadly been confirmed at a woman passed away following the incident, and died at the scene. A spokesperson from Essex Police said: "We were called to concerns for the welfare of a woman close to J11 of the A12 shortly after 5.30am on Sunday January 19.

"A woman was found and sadly, despite the best efforts of paramedics, she died at the scene. Her family have been informed and are being supported. Enquiries are ongoing."