The tunnels at the Dartford Crossing finally reopened at 10.30pm after a night of misery for motorists.

This evening's traffic chaos, which saw both tunnels closed for hours, was caused by a power failure.

Traffic was unable to get into Essex from Kent and the M25 is closed anti-clockwise between Junctions 2 and 31.

Police warned people to avoid the area 'at all costs' as huge delays built up.

Highways England said at 10.30pm that both tunnels were open again and traffic was flowing but warned people to expect long delays in the surrounding area.

Motorists trapped within the M25 closure were earlier warned by Highways England at 8.30pm that it would be 'a little while' before they were freed. It said they were dealing with "an issue with a safety system".

Drivers took to social media to vent their frustration. George Wright posted on our Facebook page: "Not moved for over 2 hours it's a joke" while Adrian Swift wrote: "I've been stuck for hours with a 9 day baby and our disabled daughter."

Highways England released a further update at 9.30pm with details of how trapped motorists would eventually be freed.

It said vehicles currently being held within the closure between junction 2 of the M25 and the tunnels would be released through the tunnels via a convoy.

Traffic on the M25 heading in the anti-clockwise direction would be diverted off the M25 at junction 2 via the Blackwall Tunnel.