Pipework on a motorway bridge rained down on to the M25, leaving six vehicles damaged and closing the road for almost seven hours.

Drivers were left stranded in sweltering heat after the disused pipework from the Watling Street bridge fell on to the M25 at the Dartford Crossing at about 12.15pm.

The road was finally reopened in both directions at 7.15pm after traffic was earlier released on the clockwise carriageway away from the QE2 Bridge.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service were at the scene helping to make the scene safe which led to delays of around 75 minutes and tailbacks of around six miles.

In a joint operation between Kent Police and Highways England, most of the trapped traffic has now been released in the clockwise direction and work is being undertaken to make safe any remaining pipework.

Highways England is reopening all four anti-clockwise lanes but, with delays experienced earlier, congestion is expected to last a little while longer on routes in the area, including on the A2.

Highways England South East operations manager Sam Day said in a statement released at 6.15pm: “We have been working hard with the emergency services and our contractors to reopen the A282.

“We are in the process of reopening the anti-clockwise carriageway, but the clockwise direction will remain closed for a little while longer and we’re working hard to reopen that carriageway as soon as it’s safe to do so.”

Mr Day also urged those travelling to ensure they had enough water on board to stay hydrated.

He said: "We’ve been working hard to ensure we can get people moving as quickly as possible, and our traffic officers have been assisting those people who have been trapped and those who have broken down in the closure.

"We thank drivers for their patience during this emergency work and with temperatures remaining high into the evening, we urge people to ensure they have enough water and liquids in their vehicles to ensure they stay hydrated during their journeys."

A fire service spokesman added: "Our firefighters are working hard with other emergency services in scorching heat to deal with an incident involving damage to a bridge on A282 Dartford and M25.

"We know it's hot in your cars, but please stay patient while we make things safe."

"Our crews were there in a scene-safety role only, due to debris falling onto the carriageway. There are no reports of any fires or people trapped in vehicles," a spokesman added.

"The call came in at 12.19pm and crews have just completed their activities, leaving the scene in the care of Highways England at 1.56pm."

Highways England said the road has been closed in both directions due to a structural incident.

Drivers have been advised to follow guidance from traffic officers at the scene.

Debris has been reported to be lying across the motorway at junction 2 of the M25 and congestion to J3 A20 (Swanley Interchange) anti-clockwise, to J30 (Lakeside / Purfleet) before the QE2 Bridge clockwise, and on the A2 west-bound to Bean interchange.

The South East Coast Ambulance service have been approached for more information.

Avoid getting stuck on Kent's roads by keeping up-to-date on all of the latest traffic and travel news here or by following our live blog.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford