Kent Police had to ask people to "stop playing football" after a serious crash on the M25 caused a junction of the motorway to be closed, bringing traffic to a standstill and causing tailbacks of eight miles.

The M25 was closed on both sides between Junction 4 (Bromley/Orpington) and Junction 5 (Sevenoaks) of the M25 at 12.50pm this afternoon (April 9), so that an air ambulance could land.

Kent Police tweeted after reports of people playing football emerged, asking them to stop and return to their vehicles.

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They later had to escort two stranded teenagers back to their cars, as traffic started moving.

A police spokesman said: "Police are also keen to remind people to stay in their vehicles if they are stuck in stationary traffic.

"This follows reports of people playing football in the carriageway and a report of two teenagers being stranded on the wrong side of the M25 after the clockwise carriageway was reopened.

"The pair had reportedly walked across the motorway whilst the road was closed, but then were unable to get back when the road was reopened.

"A patrol helped them return to their vehicle safely."

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Three teenagers having a kick about

South East Coast Ambulance was called to the scene just before 1pm, after a motorcyclist hit the central barriers dividing the motorway.

The female motorcyclist was airlifted to St George's Hospital in Tooting with serious injuries, including head injuries.

The clockwise carriageway re-opened at 2pm, but the anti-clockwise road is still down to one lane. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

Driver Max Stax tweeted at 2.10pm that traffic appeared to be moving.

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The M25 is expected to remain closed into early evening for accident investigation work and recovery.

Traffic is mostly stationary approaching the closure, causing delays of several hours.

There is a short diversion via the exit slip road to the J4 roundabout, and back down along the entry slip road, but there are delays of several hours on this route, so long distance drivers should consider using the clockwise M25 past Heathrow.

Police are appealing for further information about the incident.

Witnesses to the collision are asked to contact Kent’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538.