A 4x4 burst into flames on the M25 shortly before rush-hour this morning.

Fire crews were called to the scene - between junction 9 for Leatherhead and junction 8 for Reigate - at around 7am, and Highways England reported ‘smoke drifting over both carriageways’.

Police and Highways England traffic officers were also there.

The blaze was extinguished ‘very quickly’ and all lanes were re-opened by 7.55am, due to the fact the vehicle was able to be moved to the hard shoulder, rather than being recovered.

Despite this, there were still long delays in both directions, it was reported just after 10am. 

Three engines and firefighters from Leatherhead were called at about 6.50am.

A spokesman said: "Officers used breathing apparatus and a hose to put the fire out.” 

There were no reported injuries.

The car was a black 4x4, which images posted on social media show was engulfed in flames.