Police confirm why M25 was shut at Rickmansworth last night

The force warned motorists to "find an alternative route" at around midnight while the carriageway shut anticlockwise between junction 17 for Rickmansworth and 16 for the M40. Two separate crashes happened within around 20 minutes, a spokesperson said this morning (March 23). Officers were first called to an accident involving a lorry and a car near junction 17 at around 11.24pm.

Then another involving a caravan and a motorbike happened slightly further up the motorway. Road closures put in place by Highways officers lasted until 12.37am. The ambulance service has been contacted for information on any injuries.

Update to follow. Herts Police's warning last night said: "The M25 anticlockwise between junction 17 (Rickmansworth) to junction 16 (the M40 interchange) is closed this evening following a road traffic collision. "Drivers are asked to find an alternative route.

Thanks for your patience." Update: An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called just after 11.35pm yesterday [Sunday 22 March] to a road traffic collision on the M25 between junctions 16 and 17 near Heronsgate. "An ambulance, rapid response vehicle and ambulance officer vehicle were sent to the scene.

One patient was transported to Watford General Hospital for further assessment and treatment."