A man is fighting for his life after a head on collision in the early hours of this morning that also left two others in hospital.

Emergency services were called to Upper Rainham Road, Hornchurch at 1am following the two-car crash near the junction with Laburnum Avenue.

Three men had to be cut from one of the cars by fire crews. One is in critical condition and the other two – including the driver – are also in hospital.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The driver of the other car suffered minor injuries.

A firefighter from Hornchurch said the three men in the same car were thought to be in their 20s.

Nobody else has been arrested and officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are investigating.

The road is now open after being temporarily closed.