The M25 was shut in both directions due to a fuel tanker on fire.

It was closed between Junction 4 for Orpington and Junction 5 for the M26 after the blaze, which also spread to the grass verge.

The closure was understood to be due to the possible risk of explosion.

Queues stretched back towards Junction 6 for Godstone and to Junction 3 for Swanley.

As of 5.30pm, the anticlockwise carriageway had been reopened but the clockwise direction remained closed.

A fire service spokesman said: "Kent Fire and Rescue Service is responding to a tanker truck fire on the M25 between junction 4 (Orpington) and junction 5 (Sevenoaks).

"Three fire engines and a bulk water carrier are at the scene, and traffic has been stopped in both directions while the fire is dealt with.

"Crews are using foam and hose reel jets to tackle the blaze.

"There are no reported injuries."

By just before 6pm, just the inside lane of the clockwise carriageway remained shut.