Detectives investigating a fatal collision in Crays Hill have made several arrests and are appealing for witnesses to come forward. 

Officers were called to the scene of a single-vehicle collision in the area of Oak Road shortly after 12.35am on Saturday, 25 May. 

Alongside ambulance and fire service colleagues, officers worked hard at the scene after establishing a Mercedes car had left the road and entered a ditch.

A 19-year-old woman was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

As a result of ongoing enquiries, police have made a number of arrests as officers look to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision. 

Four males, aged 74, 54, 18 and 16, all from Billericay, and one woman, aged 20, from Rayleigh, were arrested on Saturday and questioned in connection with the collision.

They have each since been bailed with conditions while enquiries continue.

Detective Sergeant Steve Holmes, of our Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Our work has been continuing throughout the weekend to piece together the circumstances which led up to this horrific incident. 

"This collision has cost a young woman her life and we will work tirelessly to establish what happened to cause her death.

"We need people who may have been on the road, in the area of Basildon and Billericay, in the hours before this collision on the evening of Saturday 25 May, to think back to what they may have seen. 

"In particular if you saw a car matching this description, a black Mercedes SLK, we want to hear from you. 

"It may be your attention was drawn to the manner of driving, or perhaps you have dash cam footage which could be reviewed after you drove in an area near to where the collision took place. 

"We believe there were likely four occupants of the vehicle that night – two men and two women."

A further police appeal says: "Our investigation is ongoing. Officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen the vehicle in question, a black Mercedes SLK, in the hours leading up to the collision, to come forward."

"Anyone who has information or footage which could assist us is asked to get in touch. 

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.