A lorry driver has been arrested on suspicion of causing a serious accident on the M25, which left four people hurt.

Part of the motorway remains shut this evening following the crash involving a lorry and a car on the clockwise carriageway at the Darenth Interchange just before 4am today.

Four people were taken to hospital - including a car passenger, who is seriously injured.

He is being treated at King's College Hospital in London with multiple injuries including to his head, chest, stomach, arm and leg.

The car also hit a barrier, which badly damaged it - forcing highways chiefs to close the carriageway for 12 hours.

Two lanes reopened at about 4.30pm after a temporary concrete barrier was installed, but one lane remains closed to allow permanent repairs to be carried out.

A police spokesman said: "A man has been arrested following a serious collision on the M25.

"Kent Police was called at 3.46am following the incident on the clockwise carriageway near Junction 2, which involved a lorry and a car.

"One man who was travelling in the car remains in a serious condition in hospital. Three further people suffered minor injuries.

"The lorry driver, a 45-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and remains in custody."

The inside lane between the exit and entry slip roads will be shut until a new barrier can be installed, which is expected to take a week to manufacture due to its unique nature.

Drivers using this section of the M25 over the next week - which includes the half term break - are advised to allow extra time for journeys.

Anyone who has information on the collision is asked to call Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk quoting reference 11-0084.

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