There are long delays on a major Essex motorway as lanes are closed after a van fire has damaged the road.

Lanes on the M25 anti-clockwise in Essex between junction 26 (Waltham Abbey) and junction 25 (Enfield) are closed following an earlier vehicle fire.

The earlier fire has damaged the carriageway across three lanes and urgent resurfacing is required.
Lanes two, three and four (of four) will be closed throughout the rest of the day, with lane one open past the scene.

This will be followed by a full closure overnight tonight when the resurfacing will take place.

There are long delays on the approach to the incident with about 6 miles of congestion on the approach.

This is causing delays of at least 90 minutes above normal travel time for this time of the day.

A National Highways spokesman said: "Road users are advised to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra time and consider alternative routes if possible."