Commuters have been suffering long delays after a lorry fire on the M25 in Kent this morning.

The HGV burst into flames on the clockwise carriageway between J3 (Swanley Interchange) and J5 (M26/A21) at about 7.40am.

It led to all lanes being closed because of a fuel spillage after the blaze, which engulfed the cab and sent smoke billowing into the sky.

Motorists were warned to expect longer journeys after heavy congestion built.

Delays stretched back to J2 for the Darenth Interchange by 9am.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said a crew spent aound half-an-hour tackling the fire, believed to have been in the cab of the lorry.

All traffic was held at J4 since before 8am. The carriageway was then closed at J3 at just before 8.30am.

By around 9am, Kent Police said one lane was opened to release trapped traffic but severe delays remained.

Kent Highways said the road was not expected to fully re-open until midday.

There were no reports of any injuries.

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