A man has died on the M25, police have confirmed.

Officers were sent to Junction 30, near the Dartford Crossing, at 9.45am today after concerns were raised for the welfare of a man.

They closed the motorway in both directions – and stressed that the incident was not linked to earlier protests related to Just Stop Oil.

This afternoon, a spokesman added: "Sadly the man, aged in his 40s, died at the scene. There were no suspicious circumstances.

"The incident was entirely unrelated to earlier disruption on overhead gantries.

"The traffic diversions have now been removed and the road is open again.

"Thank you for your understanding."

This morning, traffic approaching Junction 30 was directed around the scene using the Junction 30 off slip.

Essex Police warned there were severe delays in both directions.

It comes after motorists were faced with delays this morning caused by Just Stop Oil supporters.

Protestors climbed onto the overhead gantries of the M25 in multiple locations, both clockwise and anti-clockwise, forcing police to stop traffic.

It was part of their campaign demanding that the government halts all new oil and gas licences.