COMMUTERS face huge delays this afternoon as the M25 has been shut near the Dartford Crossing.

The anticlockwise carriageway of the motorway has been closed between junctions 31 and 30 just after the tunnel due to a large diesel spill.

Essex Police are assisting highways officers, but traffic is already stacking up for miles along the motorway, through the crossing and all the way to junction three for the M20.

There are likely to be significant delays for drivers looking to come back into Essex from Kent.

Motorists are advised to allow more time for travelling.