All four lanes of the anti-clockwise carriageway of the M25 in Surrey and one lane clockwise have been opened to traffic.

The motorway was closed in both directions between junctions 13 and 14 after an accident at 0530 BST on the clockwise carriage involving a van and a tanker.

The tanker, which was carrying flammable resin and was en route from Calais to ICI Paints in Slough, was left on its side in a culvert.

Traffic ground to a halt after the accident

Five members of the same family travelling in the car suffered minor injuries.

A Surrey Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "The family consisted of a mother, father and three children.

"A four-year-old girl suffered head injuries and the other four were taken to hospital as walking wounded.

"The tanker driver suffered breathing difficulties.

The family and the tanker driver were taken to St Peter's Hospital in Chertsey.

The closure has caused major traffic problems for the tens of thousands of motorists who have had to find alternative routes.