THREE Colchester United stars had a lucky escape after the car they were in was written off as they swerved to avoid an accident on the busy M25.First team goalkeeper Andy Woodman was driving his team-mates, defender Scott Fitzgerald and midfielder Bobby Bowry, to training when the accident happened yesterday morning .

THREE Colchester United stars had a lucky escape after the car they were in was written off as they swerved to avoid an accident on the busy M25.

First team goalkeeper Andy Woodman was driving his team-mates, defender Scott Fitzgerald and midfielder Bobby Bowry, to training when the accident happened yesterday morning .

A lorry in front of them jack-knifed and hit another HGV, causing Mr Woodman to swerve to avoid the crash. His vehicle collided with the central reservation and was written off.

Last night, Colchester United chief executive Marie Partner said it was "fortunate" the players had not been injured in the accident – and praised Mr Woodman's quick-thinking in avoiding the lorries.

Ms Partner said Mr Fitzgerald had phoned the club to inform them of the accident, which happened about a mile away from the Dartford Tunnel exit in south Essex.

She said: "Andy was driving the car and with his quick thinking he managed to avoid going into the back of the lorries and veered away to stop the collision.

"It did mean he then hit the barrier. His car is a total write-off but it is very fortunate none of the players were injured, they were just very shaken up."

None of the three needed hospital treatment, but they missed trained while they waited for the vehicle to be recovered.

The players all live in London and take it in turns to drive to training at the U's ground in Layer Road.

Mr Fitzgerald, 32, Mr Woodman, 30, and Mr Bowry, 30, are expected back at training tomorrow. The team does not train today.

The trio all took part in Colchester's 2-1 victory over Peterborough United at Layer Road at the weekend when Mr Woodman was making his 50th league appearance for the club.

The accident caused delays on the M25 and tailbacks of several miles as the wreckage was cleared.