A van fire on the M25 is set to continue causing traffic chaos into this evening’s rush hour.

Traffic was being held clockwise on the motorway from junction 5 on the M26 and the A21 in Sevenoaks up until the Clacket Lane services this morning.

Thick plumes of black smoke could be seen billowing up into the air.

A spokesman for National Highways said: “Traffic has temporarily stopped on the M25 clockwise between J5 and J6 due to a vehicle fire.

“Traffic remains blocked and the Kent Fire and Rescue Service remains working on the scene.”

There are now delays of at least an hour and a half in the area.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Two fire engines attended and crews wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the flames using hose reel jets and compressed air foam.”

No injuries were reported.

At around 9.30am traffic was released in lanes 3 and 4.

Nationals Highways confirmed lanes 1 and 2 remain closed while recovery and carriageway assessment crews continue to work at the scene.

The spokesman added: “Resurfacing is going to be taking place through out the rest of the day into rush hour.”

There are currently 45-minute delays on the M25 and the M26 westbound.

Another stretch of the M25 has since been closed due to a vehicle fire.

Both of the tunnels at the Dartford Crossing are closed and it is causing lengthy queues on the M25 anticlockwise.

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