TWO 18-year-olds have died following a horror crash on the A12 near Capel St Mary which has closed the southbound carriageway.

Police were called to the road shortly before 1pm today after an Audi A3 left the road and collided with a tree.

The ambulance service and police have confirmed that two people have been killed and it is believed that they were in their late teens.

Two others, males aged 17 and 18, have been taken to hospital where they will have further treatment – one of which is in a “serious condition”.

Police and ambulance are currently at the scene and diversions are being set up.

Two air ambulances were also sent to the scene.

A spokeswoman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: “Sadly two people were confirmed deceased at the scene of the incident.

“Our crews worked with firefighters to free the remaining two casualties before treating them and conveying to hospital.

“One was taken to Addenbrooke’s by air ambulance with serious chest injuries and the other, who was believed to have suffered leg and facial injuries, was taken to Colchester General Hospital by land ambulance.”

The A12 southbound was closed while emergency services deal with the incident and traffic is queuing between the Copdock interchange and the Capel St Mary interchange.

The road was closed until 5pm this afternoon but diversions were put in place.

Motorists are currently being diverted via the A137 and police are asking motorists to avoid the area if possible. The entire area has been brought to a complete standstill, with traffic building up on all surrounding routes.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call PC Daniel Ormes at the Serious Collision Investigation Team at Police Headquarters on 01473 613724.