A tanker carrying 40,000 litres of jet fuel went up in flames this afternoon on the hard shoulder of the M25.

The lorry, came to a stop near the Clacket Lane services at Westerham with the driver escaping from the vehicle before it erupted in flames.

Fire crews raced to the scene heading away from the M26 by the A21 turn off and were able to get the blaze under control by 4pm.

Surrey Police dealt with the incident and closed a large section of the motorway.

Long delays were being reported by motorists on the stretch.

Motorist Claire Pearsall, who was caught up in lengthy delays following the incident, reported huge tailbacks in temperature of up to 28 degrees.

It is believed Clacket Lane Services will be closed until 8pm.