Parts of the M25 near Orpington were closed yesterday after a fuel tanker caught on fire, causing chaos on the motorway.

The fire spread up the grassy verge next to the carriageway, causing a wildfire.

Traffic was temporarily held between Junction Four, Orpington, and Junction Five, Sevenoaks, in both directions.

The traffic was later released anti-clockwise but clockwise traffic remained held as the emergency services were concerned that the tanker could explode or catch fire again.

After final checks at the scene, traffic was released clockwise in lanes two and three, but lane one remained closed for ongoing clean up.

This led to around four miles of traffic on approach, causing delays of 45 minutes.

There are no reported delays this morning.

A spokesperson for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service is responding to a tanker truck fire on the M25 between junction 4 (Orpington) and junction 5 (Sevenoaks).

“Three fire engines and a bulk water carrier are at the scene, and traffic has been stopped in both directions while the fire is dealt with.

“Crews are using foam and hose reel jets to tackle the blaze.

“There are no reported injuries.”

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: “We were called at 4.28pm yesterday to reports of a petrol tanker alight on the M25 between junction four and five southbound.

“We had two fire engines from Orpington Fire Station at the scene, but Kent Fire and Rescue led the incident.”

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