PARTS of the M25 have been closed early this morning (Tuesday, 16 June) after two separate lorry fires.

The motorway has been shut anti-clockwise in Essex between junction 28 for Brentwood and junction 27 for Epping, due to a vehicle fire, National Highways said.

The road has also been closed between junction 27, for the M11, and junction 26 near Waltham Abbey due to a second lorry fire.

National Highways said: "Due to the intensity of the blaze, the closure is likely to extend in the morning peak travel period."

Emergency services, are at the scene and officers from National Highways are assisting with traffic management.

The fire, between junction 27 and junction 26, was reported at about 03:05 BST when the lorry was "well alight", National Highways said.

"Fire crews will continue working to extinguish the blaze and make the vehicle safe before recovery can begin," it added.

National Highways warned drivers to expect delays in the area, adding: "Specialist recovery will then be required to remove the HGV, followed by inspections of the carriageway and infrastructure for any fire-related damage.

"Repairs or clean-up may be needed before the road can reopen. At this stage, no reopening time is available."