The search is on for a distressed man after an abandoned car forced the closure of the Dartford Crossing.

Officers were called shortly after 9.30am following reports a vehicle had come to a halt on the QEII bridge heading in to Kent from Essex.

It was closed while officers assessed the scene but they were unable to locate the man.

Police say they are continuing to search the area.

A vehicle was later recovered and all traffic was released 40 minutes later at around 10.20am.

There are currently long delays with congestion leading back several miles on the M25 anticlockwise between junctions 2 and 3, near Swanley.

Highways England says there are minimal delays for vehicles approaching the bridge from Essex.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford