ROADS in the west Thurrock have been disrupted today (Sunday, 8 September) after the M25 was closed following a fatal crash involving a pedestrian in the early hours of the morning.

The man died after an incident between junctions 29 and 30 when a lorry and a car were involved in a collision which also involved a number of pedestrians.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "Police were called to the scene of a collision between a lorry and pedestrians stood on the hard shoulder of the M25 clockwise between J29 and J30 at 3.56am.

"Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service paramedics and treated two men. Despite their best efforts the one of the men  died at the scene."

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed the incident, saying: "We were called at 3.59am this morning to reports of a road traffic collision on the M25 at J29 near Upminster. We sent a number of resources to the scene including ambulance crews, an advanced paramedic and an incident response officer.

"Sadly one patient died at the scene. A second patient was taken to hospital while two further patients were treated and discharged at the scene."

The M25 clockwise leading to the Dartford crossing was closed. As a consequence traffic was diverted onto the A127 and all day has been filtering through a number of rural roads through the Ockendon and Aveley areas and the impact has also been felt on the A13 approaching Junction 30 and the crossing.

It was reported mid afternoon that the M25 was expected to reopen around 5pm after the forensic investigation was completed.

The Met Police has asked any witnesses to the incident or those with dash cam footage to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 1299/08SEP.

A statement from National Highways East said: "Police are carrying out their investigations and National Highways traffic officers and contractors are assisting with road closures."