A LORRY fire on the M25 caused major traffic jams yesterday evening (Friday May 20).

The vehicle was engulfed by flames between junction 26 at Waltham Abbey and junction 27 at the Theydon Interchange near Epping just after 6pm.

The motorway had to be closed in both directions as heavy smoke billowed across the carriageway, with the disruption causing knock-on delays in the area.

Fire crews tackled the blaze and managed to bring it under control by around 7pm.

There were no reports of any injuries.