A WOMAN has died in a smash on the M25 between a van and three cars moments after a police chase - with cops referred to the watchdog.
Officers had stopped pursuing the van just before the fatal crash at 4am this morning.
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The crash happened at around 4am on the M25 in Hertfordshire Credit: UKNIP 3
Cops have scrambled to the scene Credit: UKNIP 3
The M25 is now closed between junctions 22 and 25 Credit: UKNIP
The M25 is still closed between junctions 22 and 25 after the "serious road traffic collision".
Motorists have been urged to avoid the stretch between the London Colney and St Albans junctions.
The IOPC watchdog is now probing the run-up to the horrific motorway crash.
Hertfordshire Police said: "The M25 remains closed between junctions 22 (London Colney) and 21A (North Orbital Road/St Albans) following a collision at around 4am this morning.
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"Officers were in pursuit of a van before the van was involved in a collision with three other vehicles.
"No police vehicles were involved in the collision and the pursuit had been stood down prior to the collision.
"A woman has sadly passed away and her family are being supported by specially trained officers.
"As a matter of course, the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct."
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The IOPC said: "We are investigating the police actions prior to a fatal road traffic collision on the M25 earlier today.
"We sent our investigators to the scene and to the post incident procedure to begin the process of gathering information.
"Our investigation is in the very early stages.”
Snaps show vehicle wreckage scattered across all four lanes of the M25.
Hertfordshire Police said: "The M25 is currently closed between junctions 22 (London Colney) and 21A (North Orbital Road/St Albans).
"This is while emergency services deal with a serious road traffic collision.
"Motorists are asked to avoid the area."
A forensic investigation has reportedly been launched to piece together the events that led to the crash.