Four people have been rushed to hospital after an ambulance flipped on its side during a crash with a car and a lorry. 

Emergency services rushed to the junction of the A13 and A130 at Bowers Gifford, Essex, on Friday afternoon. 

Some five people were treated at the scene, while four others were taken to Basildon and Thurrock Hospital. 

Six ambulances, two paramedic cars, an air ambulance and specialist collision investigation police units descended on the busy road.

Shocking pictures show an ambulance overturned on its side alongside a flat-bed truck and a large black four-by-four car in the middle of the carriageway. 

Surrounding traffic can be seen at a near standstill - and drivers have been warned of ongoing delays in the area. 

A spokesperson for East of England Ambulance Service said: 'Six ambulances, two paramedic cars and East Anglian Air Ambulance were called to the Junction of the A13 and A130 at Bowers Gifford this afternoon following reports of an ambulance being involved in a road traffic collision with one or more other vehicles.

'Five patients were assessed at the scene and four were transported by road ambulance to Basildon and Thurrock Hospital.' 

This is a breaking news story - further updates to follow.