By OLIVIA CHRISTIE, NEWS REPORTER
A fire on a hay bale lorry has shut a stretch of the M25 for several hours this morning - sparking travel chaos as drivers try to return to work after the Bank Holiday.
The HGV burst into flames on the anti-clockwise direction of the motorway between junction 25 at Enfield and junction 24 at Potters Bar.
The fire started just before 5.30am this morning and was followed by a multi-vehicle crash in the tailbacks just before the start of rush hour.
It is understood that queues have already built up to at least seven miles - with drivers brought to a standstill.
An update from the London Fire Brigade at 7.30am this morning said a 'small part of the lorry was still alight'.
National Highways has reported delays of up to at least 90 minutes - with a diversion in place that passes through London's ULEZ zone.
The alternative route also has a 4.7 metre or 14.4ft height restriction.
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the London Fire Service and National Highways all currently have crews at the scene.
A lorry carrying hay bales burst into flames between junction 25 at Enfield and junction 24 at Potters Bar
National Highways has reported delays of up to at least 90 minutes - with a diversion in place that passes through London's ULEZ zone
The fire started just before 5.30am this morning, causing massive delays just before the start of rush hour
A spokesperson for Highways England said: 'The M25 anti-clockwise in Hertfordshire is closed between J25 Waltham Cross Interchange (Enfield, Hertford A10) and J24 Potters Bar Interchange (Potters Bar, A111).
'This is due to a multi-vehicle collision. Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, East of England Ambulance Service and National Highways Traffic Officers are attending.
'Traffic within the closure is being released past the scene.'
A spokesperson for National Highways said: 'The M25 anti-clockwise in Hertfordshire is closed between J25 Waltham Cross Interchange (Enfield, Hertford A10) and J24 Potters Bar Interchange (Potters Bar, A111).
'Due to a lorry transporting hay which caught fire earlier.
'Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue, London Fire Service and National Highways are on scene.
'Traffic within the closure is being released past the scene.'
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: 'Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters have been tackling a lorry fire on the between Junction 25 and Junction 24.
'Crews have been working hard and a small part of the HGV remains alight. Please avoid the area if you can.'
Follow route marked with a hollow square symbol on local road signs:
