ESSEX Police has referred itself to the Independent Office of Police Conduct after two people died in a car smash.

Officers continue to investigate a fatal collision on Tuesday which left two people dead.

Officers responded to reports a grey BMW 4 Series Coupe had been found partially submerged in a pond near to Southminster Road on Tuesday (September 21) at 8.20am.

It is believed the car left the road near to the junction with Foxhall Road.

Two people inside the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police are carrying out inquiries which are ongoing to establish the circumstances which led up to the collision.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or saw a grey BMW 4 Series Sport Coupe driving in the area is urged to call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101.

The incident number to quote is 208 of 21 September.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

An Essex Police spokesman added: "We have referred the incident to the Independent Office of Police Conduct having reviewed our response to concerns for a vehicle in the area earlier in the morning."

Read more: Police investigate serious collision in Southminster