Ten hours' worth of severe delays were caused by a lorry collision on the M4 today after it crashed into the central reservation at around 04:30 in the morning.

The HGV spilled diesel across all six lanes, closing a seven mile patch of the motorway between junction one and three, eastbound from Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead.

Drivers on the M4 were being diverted to Northolt via the A312 and then to central London via the A40 while resurfacing work was carried out.

The motorway has since been reopened, but severe delays remain.

Air passengers heading to Heathrow have been advised to leave plenty of time for travel as the airport is suffering as a result of the closures, whilst football fans travelling into London for the EFL cup match between Arsenal and Reading have been told to avoid travelling by road if possible.

Garrett Emmerson, TfL’s Chief Operating Officer for Surface Transport, said: “Following a lorry collision a large amount of diesel was spilt, damaging all six lanes.