Two people who died in a five-vehicle accident on the M11 in Essex are believed to be brother and sister, police have said.

Saffron Walden Reporter: The M11 smash involved three cars, a lorry and a horse box shortly before 2.15pm between junction seven for Harlow and junction eight for Bishops Stortford and Stansted Airport. Pictures: Stephen Huntley.The M11 smash involved three cars, a lorry and a horse box shortly before 2.15pm between junction seven for Harlow and junction eight for Bishops Stortford and Stansted Airport. Pictures: Stephen Huntley. (Image: Archant)

A 53-year-old man from the Netherlands and a 45-year-old woman from Kent died in the incident which happened on the northbound M11 near junction eight for Birchanger at around 2.15pm yesterday (Thursday).

The Toyota they were travelling in was hit by other vehicles and collided with the back of a Mercedes horse box carrying five horses.

The car caught light and the occupants died at the scene.

The 49-year-old driver of a Jaguar, who is from Romford, was taken to hospital with head injuries and remains under observation.

His passenger, a 23-year-old woman from Cyprus on her way to catch a flight at Stanstead Airport, was taken by air ambulance to Addebrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the crash who can help in their investigations.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation unit on 101 or via e-mail at collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.

The driver of a lorry involved in the crash, who received minor injuries, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.