Four dead in M25 lorry accident

Motorists were asked to avoid travelling in the area if possible

Four people have died in a crash on the M25 which saw a lorry burst into flames in a collision with a car.

Kent emergency teams have recovered both vehicles from near junction five and all the lanes have reopened.

But at the height of delays, there were 15-mile queues back to Reigate, Surrey.

Police said four people died, thought to be two adults and two children. The lorry driver, a man in his 50s, is in hospital with chest injuries and shock.

Two anti-clockwise lanes would be closed again overnight for resurfacing work to take place on the damaged road, Kent Police said.

Officers said surrounding roads were still congested, even after the carriageway reopened at junction six, and motorists were urged not to travel in the area unless necessary.

They said the crash at about 1035 BST on Tuesday, near Clacket Lane services, involved a lorry and a Volkswagen car.

On Tuesday morning, emergency teams, who warned drivers of "substantial delays", said the front of the lorry had been destroyed by fire.

Ambulances from Kent and Surrey attended the scene, along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, and Kent Police.