A crash between two lorries closed the approach to the Dartford Crossing and caused huge delays in the county.

The two HGVs collided just before 3pm near the Queen Elizabeth II bridge in Thurrock, Essex, halting all traffic heading into Kent.

The route was reopened for a while but was closed again after the accident was reassessed, causing congestion from junction 30 back to junction 27.

Traffic was also stopped in the opposite direction heading towards the Dartford Tunnel to allow the air ambulance to land.

The clockwise carriageway re-opened around 5.30am today (Wednesday) after resurfacing work was finished.

Motorists earlier reported being stuck in tailbacks for four hours.

The accident happened as the lorries were approaching junction 31 on the M25 and left one of them on its side on an embankment.

The other suffered substantial damage to its cab.

Essex Police confirmed both drivers are being treated for minor injuries.

No arrests have been made and inquires are ongoing to establish the circumstances around the collision.

Essex Police remain at the scene and the stretch of road has been closed and will remain shut for the next few hours due to the complexity of the vehicle recovery.

Highways England say the road is unlikely to reopen before 9pm.

Witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage are asked to contact Chigwell Roads Policing Unit on 101, quoting incident 647 of August 28, or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk