Lorry bursts into flames on M25

Pictures show a lorry engulfed in flames on the M25, leading to its closure this morning. The stricken HGV was alight on the clockwise carriageway near the exit for the A2 at Junction 2.

The lorry engulfed in flames on the M25. Picture: UKNIP The wreckage of the lorry after it burst into flames on the M25. Picture: UKNIP

Vehicles were held while the emergency services dealt with the blaze, causing severe delays. Queues of up to seven miles stretched back over the QEII Bridge into Essex.

Two fire engines attended at about 7.30am but the cause of the fire is as yet unknown.

Firefighters left at 8am and no casualties were reported. It is understood traffic was diverted off the motorway via a filter lane from 7.30am to 11am.

The lorry burst into flames on the clockwise carriageway of the M25 near Junction 2, the Darenth Interchange. Picture: UKNIP The empty clockwise M25 after it was closed due to a lorry fire. Picture: UKNIP The lorry on fire on the M25 near Junction 2 for the A2. Picture: National Highways The lorry on fire on the M25 near Junction 2 for the A2. Picture: National Highways The lorry on fire on the M25 near Junction 2 for the A2.

Picture: National Highways

As of midday, one lane remained closed and there was congestion to just before Junction 30 for Lakeside.

Delays had cleared by 1pm after the lane closure was lifted.