Essex lorry fire closes anti-clockwise section of M25

Firefighters were called to the blaze, between junction 27 for the M11 and J26 for Waltham Abbey, just before 04:00 BST on Wednesday

An anti-clockwise section of the M25 in Essex is likely to remain closed into Wednesday evening after a lorry fire.

Firefighters tackled the blaze, between junction 27 for the M11 and J26 for Waltham Abbey, which occurred just before 04:00 BST.

The fire is out and the vehicle has been recovered but the carriageway requires resurfacing.

Highways England says there is currently 45 minute delays with three miles of slow moving traffic.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service said the lorry was "100% alight" when crews arrived

Essex Fire and Rescue Service said the lorry was "100% alight" when crews arrived and they "worked hard" to bring the fire under control by 06:40 BST.

It said the cause had been recorded as accidental.

Highways England said there was a "complex recovery" operation because the contents of the lorry had to be removed before the vehicle could be moved.

"The carriageway requires resurfacing due to a spillage of hydraulic fluid which has broken up the road surface," Highways England said.

Diversions via the M11 and A10 are in place and road users are also advised to allow extra time for their journey.

Diversions via the M11 and A10 are in place and road users are also advised to allow extra time for their journey