Essex: Schools and Commuters Hit By Snow

Schools closed and transport struggled to cope as Essex continued to suffer in the grip of winter.

A layer of snow and icy conditions proved hazardous for motorists in the Monday morning rush while rail and air services continued to be hit.

One person was killed in an accident on the A12 in Essex on Sunday night, and drivers were being warned to take extra care.

Greater Anglia rail services between Colchester and Shenfield were delayed by up to an hour on Monday morning after a train broke down at Chelmsford.

Across Essex, more than 200 schools were closed because of the weather. The county escaped wide-scale school closures last week.

The East of England Ambulance Service issued a warning after reports of at least a dozen sledging related injuries.

While none were life-threatening, some children and adults sustained broken bones or head injuries requiring hospital treatment.

A spokeswoman said: "People should ensure they are well wrapped up and always in control while sledging and wear safety gear as appropriate.

"The fun really isn't worth it if you wind up with a painful injury in A&E."