A watermelon spillage on the M25 has caused severe delays and miles of traffic in south Essex this morning.

 

The M25 was held clockwise this morning within junction 31 due to a spillage of watermelons.

One lane remains closed on the M25 clockwise at junction 31 (Lakeside) with traffic built up past junction 29 (A127).

Drivers are also facing delays on the A13 Londonbound approaching the M25 at junction 30.

National Highways confirmed on X - formerly Twitter - that a road sweeper is on the scene clearing the spillage and delays are expected to ease rapidly.

At the height of the incident, the spillage added 30 minutes to journey times.

The AA said this morning: "Severe delays, queueing traffic for four miles and one lane closed due to spillage of watermelons on M25 clockwise at J31 A1306 (Lakeside / Purfleet).

"Congestion to a couple of miles from J29 A127 Romford, and for a mile Londonbound on the A13 past Thurrock."