M25 collision and vehicle fire causes congestion in Essex

Motorists were being warned of several miles of congestion after a collision and vehicle fire on the M25 in Essex.

National Highways said traffic had been stopped on the anti-clockwise carriageway between junction 29, at Romford, and junction 28, at Brentwood.

It said, just before 07:00 GMT, that emergency services were dealing with it and at about 07:55 all lanes were reopened.

However, with about eight miles of tailbacks stretching to Lakeside shopping centre in West Thurrock, there were still delays of more than 80 minutes during the rush hour. Motorists were advised to allow extra travel time or seek alternative routes.