The driver of the vehicle that hit a gas main on the A127 last night has suffered life-threatening injuries.

At 6.10pm yesterday - Sunday, June 26 - emergency services were called to a collision at the junction with Front Lane.

A black Mercedes had left the road and collided with a gas main.

The driver was taken to hospital by ambulance crews after being removed from the vehicle.

Properties in the surrounding area were evacuated and a 200m safety cordon was put in place as a precaution.

Residents have now been able to return home, while local roads that were closed have now reopened.

Officers from the serious collision investigation unit are leading.

There have been no arrests.

The assistant commissioner for the LFB, Patrick Goulbourne, said: "Crews worked with partners to make the scene safe as quickly as possible."

The incident was under control by 11.19pm last night.

Police also attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance.

Witnesses, including those with dash cam/mobile phone footage, are asked to contact the investigation team by calling 020 8597 4874 or 101 - quoting reference CAD 5664.