Delays on the M25 have cleared after a crash involving a van and a trailer carrying gas cylinders.

The accident happened on the clockwise carriageway of the major motorway between junctions 5 and 4, near Sevenoaks.

According to traffic monitoring tool Inrix, the incident involved two vans and an overturned trailer that had gone over the centre barrier, shortly before 9am.

Drivers were held on both carriageways while emergency services, including the fire service, attended the scene.

At the time, two lanes of three were closed anti-clockwise, and one clockwise.

As of 1.10pm, all lanes on both sides have since reopened but motorists have been warned there are delays of 45 minutes near junction 5.

A police spokeswoman said: “We were called just before 9am to a report a trailer carrying gas cylinders had become detached from a vehicle while travelling along the M25 coastbound between junctions 5 and 4.

“Officers, along with Highways and Kent Fire and Rescue Service attended to clear the carriageway.”

It is understood police left the scene at around 10am, but long queues remained.

The fire and ambulance service has been contacted for more information.