A SEVERE accident on the A40 caused hours of tailbacks and misery for motorists throughout yesterday afternoon and early evening.

Emergency services were alerted at 2.50pm after a new model  blue Toyota Yaris was involved in a collision with a red Vauxhall Astra and a black Mercedes at the entrance to the A40 near to the Polish War Memorial, close to RAF Northolt.

Police said the Toyota vehicle was 'seriously damaged', while the Astra had to be removed from a nearby fence from which it had become entangled.

A lamppost was also knocked over in the incident and subsequently had to undergo repairs. The three cars were recovered and towed.

Lanes of traffic immediately ground to a halt with all eastbound traffic going into London being forced to stop.

The A40 was eventually closed in both directions in order for the air ambulance to land, with the knock on effect meaning the junction at Hillingdon Circus was jammed.

It is the fifth time an air ambulance has been called to Hillingdon in under two weeks.

Motorists reported being affected as late at 7pm as the knock on effect of the accident took its toll.

More heavy traffic is expected in the area tonight, with over 80,000 people expected to attend the England v Egypt international football match at Wembley.

UPDATE: FIVE people are believed to have been injured in the crash, including a four year-old girl.

Along with a 28 year-old woman and 29 year-old man she was among three patients being taken to Gillingdon Hospital with minor injuries.

No details are available on other two patients, it is believed they were taken by air ambulance. No injuries were life threatening.

The London Ambulance Service has also reported a fourth vehicle being involved in the crash.

Were you affected? E-mail dancoombs@trinitysouth.co.uk