Traffic was delayed for hours on the M25 near Rickmansworth due to a “serious” two-car crash.

All four lanes on the motorway were shut anti-clockwise between junction 17 in Rickmansworth and junction 16 from 2.30pm on Monday, June 24, until one lane was opened at 4.20pm.

It took until 6.37pm to all four lanes to be reopened and traffic to start to clear.

National Highways (@HighwaysEAST) urged motorists to consider alternative routes where possible amid seven miles of congestion on approach and delays up to 90 minutes. 

It is not known if anyone was injured or how badly. Thames Valley Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service have been contacted for further information.

A spokesperson for National Highways said at the time: “The M25 in Buckinghamshire is closed anti-clockwise between J17 (Rickmansworth) and J16 (M40) due to a serious collision.

“Emergency services are in attendance.

“National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene to assist with traffic management.”

The full statement from AA maps said: “Severe delays and three lanes closed due to crash, two cars involved on M25 anticlockwise before J16 M40 J1A.

“Congestion to J19 (Watford), with the opposite side back to J14 (Heathrow Terminal 4) due to onlookers.”