Lorry fire closes M25 for hours

Drivers are being warned the M25 anti-clockwise will be closed during Thursday's rush hour after a lorry fire.

The M25 is closed anti-clockwise between junction 23 (access to the A1(M)) and junction 21a (access to the M1).

A lorry carrying cooking oil and foodstuff has overturned, spilling its content – which later caught fire – onto the carriageway.

Emergency services are currently on scene, as well as structures engineers assessing damage to the road and overhead gantry.

A police investigation is underway. The road will be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so but the closure is expected to last for several hours, and during rush hour.

Road users wishing to use the M25 anti-clockwise need to exit the M25 at junction 23 and take the A1(M) north; exit at junction 3 and join the A414 west. Take the A405 south and rejoin the M25 at junction 21.

Police are advising drivers to avoid the M25 until mid-afternoon after a lorry fire closed the carriageway on both directions in Hertfordshire.

The section between junctions 21a and 23 near the South Mimms services is expected to be closed until 3pm.

Long tailbacks have built up on surrounding roads.

The M25 is closed in both directions in Hertfordshire because of a lorry fire and smoke blowing across the carriageway.

The section affects is between junction 21a for London Colney and junction 23 for South Mimms and the A1(M).

The Highways Agency says the road is expected to re-open from 3:00 pm.