Motorway reopened after emergency repairs

Emergency resurfacing work ran through the night and the road re-opened just after 05:00 on Thursday

A stretch of motorway near Gatwick Airport has reopened after a vehicle fire and oil spill led to an emergency closure.

National Highways said it was first made aware of an incident on a southbound section of the M23 at 05:00 GMT on Wednesday.

The carriageway fully closed at 16:00, between junction eight for the M25 and junction nine for the West Sussex airport, following earlier lane closures.

Emergency resurfacing work ran through the night and the road reopened just after 05:00.

The fire was brought under control, but along with a large diesel spillage there was "severe damage" across all four lanes of the carriageway.

A Surrey Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Three fire engines were sent. One small vehicle was alight.

"Crews tackled the fire and left the scene around 05:45.

"Highways crews were also in attendance and the incident was left with them."

Diversions were put in place throughout the closure.