A LORRY driver remains in custody today after a 10-vehicle pileup on the M25 claimed the life of a 79-year-old man.

Essex Police confirmed this morning the man who died following the crash at Junction 30 of the motorway was from Ilford, although his identity is yet to be released.

He was the driver of a silver Renault Clio and his 58-year-old son, who was a passenger in the car at the time, is now in a stable condition at the Royal London Hospital.

A 47-year-old woman from Basildon, who airlifted to the same hospital after being cut free from her black Mercedes, is also now in a stable condition.

Two lorry drivers were arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

A 58-year-old lorry driver from Germany remains in custody at Basildon police station this morning while a 43-year-old man from Poland was released without charge last night.

He is now being treated as a witness, according to police.

Motorists travelling from Essex into Kent across the QE2 Bridge faced long delays yesterday, as the road was closed for nine hours while police carried out an investigation into the crash.

The road was not re-opened until 9.15am last night, following the crash at 12.30pm which involved four articulated lorries and six cars.

An inquest into the death of the 79-year-old man is due to be opened later this week.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the collision to contact the serious investigation unit on 101.