Four people have died after a vehicle crashed into a building in Colchester.

Essex Police said the deaths were confirmed at the scene on Magdalen Street. Officers were called just before 4.40am on Saturday.

The families of the victims have been informed and will be supported by specialist police officers. The road has been closed for much of the day while the vehicle was recovered.

In an update issued just before 5pm, temporary Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said: “My thoughts, and those of everyone at Essex Police, is with the friends and families of the four people who died this morning.

“I want to thank the businesses and residents in Magdalen Street area for their support and understanding today in what has been a really difficult and tragic situation.

“I also want to pay tribute to emergency services personnel who have worked diligently, professionally, and compassionately to ensure the dignity of those who have died.

“Our enquiries to establish what led up to the collision are ongoing and I need anyone with information to contact us.”

Earlier in the day, police described it as a “serious collision” and asked people to avoid the area.