The M25 by Leatherhead was closed this morning after a van caught fire, heaping more misery on motorists after a weekend of traffic chaos on the motorway.

The incident took place at about 7am between junctions nine and 10.

The road was closed off in a clockwise direction while firefighters fought the blaze.

Noone was hurt in the incident, which saw the van set on fire while travelling at speed.

The road was reopened after the area had been made safe.

The closure follows traffic chaos on the motorway caused by a serious accident between junctions seven and eight on Friday afternoon.

It closed parts of the motorway off for more than 24 hours.

Three people were injured when a lorry crashed through the central reservation and hit a car on the opposite carriageway.

The incident caused 28-mile tailbacks on Friday afternoon stretching until junction 10.

The crash caused the lorry to spill diesel on the anti-clockwise side and shed its load on the clockwise lanes.

A Nissan Micra, a Lexus and another vehicle were hit by some of the aluminium steel bales the lorry was carrying.

The lorry driver suffered serious leg injuries and was airlifted to King's College Hospital, in south-east London.

The driver of the Micra also suffered serious leg injuries, while the front seat passenger in the car suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital.

Surrey Police said the passenger was in a very critical condition.

The Highways Agency said the lorry had been in pieces across the carriageways, and damage to the motorway was so extensive it needed resurfacing.

As a result the motorway only reopened fully at about 9pm.

Surrey Police is investigating the crash and have appealed for witnesses.