M25 anticlockwise closures due to two lorry fires

Part of the M25 has been closed after two separate lorry fires.

The first happened between junction 27 for the M11 and junction 26 near Waltham Abbey in Essex after emergency services were called at about 03:05 BST.

Two lorries then collided in queuing traffic a short time later between junction 28 for Brentwood and junction 27, causing one of them to catch fire.

National Highways said disruption was expected to continue for some time because of the intensity of the fires.

National Highways said the lorry between junctions 27 and 26 was "well alight" when emergency services arrived but it had since been put out and trapped traffic released.

"The lorry shed a significant load across the carriageway, which we expect to take some time to clear," a spokesperson said.

It warned drivers to expect delays in the area, adding it did not know when the road would reopen.

Essex Police said it was working with emergency services at the scene of "as serious collision".

"We know this will cause disruption, but this is important work and we'd urge motorists to find alternative routes," the force said.

Jedd Cottis, managing director of T J Cottis Transport, said it sent three vehicles to the motorway after being called early on Tuesday.

The priority was to clear the debris across the carriageway, which he believed was items from a delivery company.

National Highways confirmed that "grab lorries" were being used to remove the fire damaged "contents from the HGVs".

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.