M25 traffic LIVE: Motorway closed after serious collision as 999 crew swarm

A stretch of the M25 in Essex has been closed in both directions after a serious collision

A serious crash has forced the closure of a stretch of the M25 in Essex.

The motorway is closed in both directions between Junction 29 (Upminster) and Junction 30 (Thurrock) following the collision, which took place shortly before 8pm. The incident happened on the anti-clockwise carriageway, according to traffic monitoring site Inrix. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, are at the scene.

National Highways said clockwise traffic is being diverted from junction 29 onto the A127, while anti-clockwise traffic is being diverted from junction 30 onto the A13 towards Tilbury.

02:23Peter Hennessy

Lanes reopen clockwise

The M25 in Essex remains closed anti-clockwise between J30 (Grays / Dartford Crossing) and J29 (Romford / Basildon) due to a serious road traffic collision.

A National Highways spokesperson said: "Lanes three & four (of four) are closed on the clockwise carriageway between J29 and J30..

"Essex emergency services are in attendance along with National Highways Traffic Officers and service providers who are also in attendance assisting with traffic management.

"All traffic caught within the closures have now been released.

"The anti-clockwise carriageway is expected to remain closed for several hours throughout the night whilst collision investigations take place."

01:33Peter Hennessy

All traffic within closure released

All traffic caught within the closure has now been released, according to National Highways.

The motorway remains closed as collision investigation work continues.

23:45Peter Hennessy

Update from National Highways

A spokesperson for National Highways said: "The anti-clockwise carriageway is now closed between J31 Grays/Dartford and J29 Romford/Basildon to allow traffic caught within the closure to be safely turned via rearward relief. The clockwise carriageway remains closed between J29 and J30."

23:02Eliana Nunes

M25 closed in both directions due to 'serious' crash

National Highways said on X that the M25 is closed in both directions due to a "serious collison". Emergency services are at the scene.

22:54KEY EVENT

Crash took place in Essex

The crash happened on the M25 between Junction 29 (Upminster) and Junction 30 (Thurrock) in Essex.

It took place on the anti-clockwise carriageway, according to traffic monitoring site Inrix.