Major disruption has hit the M25 following a massive lorry fire which could be seen for miles around.
Emergency services were called at 12pm on Wednesday to reports of a vehicle fire on the motorway.
The carriageway was shut in both directions between junction 31 at Thurrock and junction 29 for the A127.
The clockwise carriageway reopened at roughly 2pm, but police said the anti-clockwise stretch would be closed for "at least 12 hours" while urgent repairs were made to the road surface and barriers.
A spokesperson from the fire service said earlier: “We are dealing with a lorry fire on M25, clockwise between junctions 29 and 30. Crews from Grays (two), Basildon, Brentwood and colleagues from London Fire Brigade and Kent Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance.
“The lorry is carrying tyres, which are alight and are producing large amounts of smoke. Please avoid the area if you can and take extra care if you are near the scene.”
Firefighters later got the fire under control and a cooling off was taking place before repair works began.
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Travellers heading clockwise and anti-clockwise were advised to join the A13 towards Tilbury then enter the A128 towards Brentwood, before taking the A127 towards London and rejoining the M25 towards Stansted.
Essex Police have confirmed no one has been injured in the fire and no arrests have been made. The suspected cause of the blaze is believed to be a vehicle malfunction.
National Highways posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “The M25 is now CLOSED anti-clockwise between J30 (DartCharge) and J29 (Romford) due to a vehicle fire.
"Essex County Fire and Rescue Service are working on scene to tackle the blaze. Delays of at least 30 minutes in the area. Diversion to follow."
A spokesman added: "Due to the nature of the fire, it is still anticipated that the road will remain closed throughout the day, with resurfacing likely to be required."
Approximately 250,000 motorists use the M25 daily, making it the busiest motorway in Britain.
