There are severe delays on a busy stretch of motorway following a crash between a car and a lorry.

There are around one-and-a-half hour delays and eight miles of congestion on the M25 anti-clockwise due to the earlier accident on the border with Essex.

By 2.30pm, the incident had cleared but National Highways warned drivers there were still “severe delays”.

Traffic is queuing up to Junction 3 for the Swanley Interchange with long delays in both directions along the A2.

Dartford is also heavily congested, with queues through Darenth and Bexley.

All traffic was stopped on the M25 at around 11.30am and all lanes were shut between Junction 30 for Thurrock and Junction 29 for Romford.

Two lanes were open by 1pm but the rest remained closed to allow the emergency services to deal with the crash.

In an update issued shortly after 1.40pm, National Highways said: “All lanes are now open on the M25 anti-clockwise between J30 Thurrock and J29 Romford.

“Long delays of over an hour and a half remain but should start to ease now.”

Motorists were told to expect short holds at Dartford to prevent stationary traffic inside the tunnels.

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In an update just after 2.30pm, National Highways said: “Please be reminded that although this earlier incident has now cleared, there are still severe delays of over an hour and a half on the M23 anti-clockwise approaching the Dartford Crossing.

“There is eight miles of congestion back to Junction 4. Allow extra time if planning to use the crossing.”

Police have been contacted for further information.

More as we get it.