Pile-up causes M25 chaos

Diversions are in place on local roads in the area

A multiple accident on the M25 London orbital motorway has caused major delays.

The 11-vehicle crash on Tuesday, in the Surrey area, involved four HGVs.

One person suffered serious injuries, which are believed to be "life threatening", according to Surrey Police.

It was not clear whether the incident involved two separate accidents, within minutes of each other, at about 0520 BST, or a single crash.

An eight-mile tailback was reported to have built up, on the anti-clockwise carriageway, and the motorway was initially closed between junctions nine and 12.

Invesigation started

However, a spokeswoman for Surrey Police said that by 0915 BST, the closure was between junctions 11 at Chertsey and 12, the interchange with the M3.

She said: "We don't know how this has all happened yet.

"An investigation has already begun to establish the cause, but the motorway is likely to be closed between the junctions for a long while."

Police, paramedics and the fire and rescue service attended the scene.

Three people were taken to St Peter's Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey, one with serious injuries.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service took just over half-an-hour to rescue a motorist from a vehicle.

A police spokesman added: "There are extensive diversions in place and this has caused havoc with the morning rush hour traffic as all the surrounding roads are now gridlocked."