Traffic was heavy on the clockwise carriageway from junction 8 for Reigate, Surrey, to junction 11 for Chertsey in the same county. The accident, near the latter, had shut two lanes as emergency services dealt with the shunt.

       Delays were up to an hour, Surrey Live reports.

       Highways England said on Twitter: "Please be aware that this #M25 clockwise incident is causing delays of 60 mins above normal journey time for this time of day. There is approx. 8 miles of congestion on approach. Please allow extra time for your journey if you are travelling in the area."

       The latest Inrix update says: "Two lanes closed, long delays and queueing traffic for six miles due to accident, three vans and a car involved on M25 clockwise between J10 A3 ( Wisley Interchange) and J11 A320 St Peters Way (Chertsey).

       "Congestion to Cobham Services, a mile before J10. Travel time is 30 minutes. Lanes three and four (of four) are closed."

       There was no diversion in place but some drivers were leaving at junction 9 for Leatherhead, using the A243 north and then the A244 through Oxshott, which was busy as a result.

       They then used the A3 west to rejoin the motorway.

       Anti-clockwise traffic was slow due to onlookers.

       It was congested from junction 12 - the M3 link - near Virginia Water and Stroude.

       Surrey Police has been contacted for more information.