The A127 has been shut in both directions and four people taken to hospital after a crash involving several cars, a lorry and a van in Hornchurch this afternoon (Thursday).

Firefighters from Romford, Hornchurch and Harold Hill, and four ambulances from London Ambulance Service (LAS), were called to the scene at the junction of Ardleigh Green Road and Southend Arterial Road between 1.15pm and 1.30pm.

A spokesman for London Fire Brigade said three cars, a van and a HGV had been in collision. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said seven vehicles had been involved but could not be more specific.

One firefighter on the scene said the drama had unfolded after a car had driven onto a pavement, clipped a lamppost and a pedestrian, jumped a red light and ploughed into oncoming traffic at the junction.

Initially a man was believed trapped in the back of a car, but LAS was able to move him without any intervention from the fire brigade.

An LAS spokesman said eight people were treated at the scene, four of whom were taken by ambulance to Queen’s Hospital, Romford.

They were a 20-year-old man suffering neck and shoulder pain, a woman in her 50s with chest pain, a man in his 30s with a hand injury, and a 31-year-old man whose injuries were reported to be minor but was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Havering College has confirmed that a college minibus was among the vehicles caught up in the crash.

The 14-seater was being driven by a member of staff. An instructor from a training company was the only passenger on board.

A college spokesman said: “Although both suffered shock, they did not sustain any visible injuries. Several staff from the college went to the scene to offer assistance.”

Eyewitnesses said up to 25 police officers were on the scene.

Were you there? Please call the news desk on 020 8477 3903 or e-mail ramzy.alwakeel@archant.co.uk.