UPDATE 4.30pm: Three lanes are expected to reopen this evening after the road surface on part of the M25 caved in and damaged car tyres this morning.

The damage and traffic chaos comes after road works were carried out overnight on the motorway by Junction 9, at Leatherhead.

At 4pm the Highways Agency said: "Motorists are being advised that three lanes on the anti-clockwise M25 between junctions 10 (near Wisley) and 9 (near Leatherhead) will remain closed until this evening as we work to investigate the cause of, and to repair a defect in the road surface."

"Safety is our top priority and we are doing all we can to reopen the lanes as quickly as possible and are currently in the process of repairing the defect.

"In the meantime we advise drivers to avoid this section of the anti-clockwise M25 and seek alternative routes."

It added: "Long delays are likely until the motorway fully reopens."

BBC aerial footage shows workman tarmacing the damaged stretch and huge traffic jams at a standstill in the two lanes that remain open. 

Five hours ago Surrey Police's Roads Policing Unit announced on Twitter that the slip road at the junction was also closed and emergency repairs were under way.

The unit said there was a large pothole in lane two, concrete debris was being cleared from lane three and a "large number of vehicles have damaged tyres".

It said about 25 vehicles got punctures.

Your Local Guardian:

Community Facebook page What’s on in Leatherhead announced that emergency repairs were taking place on a "large sinkhole" at Junction 9.

Two hours ago Naomi Lawrence posted on the group: "Just drove past the other direction, about 12 cars still at side of road with punctures and massive tailback.

"Little bit of a hold up on other side but nothing major."

AA president Edmund King has called for a thorough investigation into the incident and described the M25 as the 'road to hell today'.

He said: "The M25 is critical to the nation and today's incident highlights just how dependant we are on it to funtion 24/7."

He added: "It is disappointing that not only did the road fail but it placed many drivers in danger and also reportedly damaged a number of vehicles."

 

Have been affected? Do you know more?

Please call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6337 or email alice.foster@london.newsquest.co.uk