A THREE-VEHICLE smash closed Victoria Avenue in Southend this afternoon.

The trunk road in and out of the town centre is closed in both directions at rush hour between Cuckoo Corner and the junction with Priory Crescent.

Emergency services were called shortly after 3.30pm and an ambulance is currently at the scene, treating a child and a woman in her seventies.

A grey Peugeot 407, a silver Suzuki Swift and a white Peugeot panel van are involved in the incident, with police also on the scene.

The Peugeot has crashed through the fence in the central reservation.

No injuries have been sustained but there were long tailbacks as the scene was cleared.

The road was reopened and congestion cleared by 6.30pm.