A BUSY road is closed after a serious crash.

Police and ambulance crews are currently holding traffic on the M23 near Gatwick after a collision involving three cars and a motorbike.

The air ambulance later joined emergency teams at the scene.

A Surrey Police spokesman said: "We are currently attending a serious collision on the M23 near Redhill.

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"The motorway remains closed in both directions between junction eight and nine.

"We know there is an extensive amount of traffic and appreciate your patience."

Highways England has provided details of a diversion for drivers stuck in the resulting queues.

The Argus:

A spokesman said: "The M23 in Surrey is closed in both directions between junction eight and junction nine due to a serious collision.

"The northbound carriageway was closed for the air ambulance to attend the scene. The air ambulance has now departed and this direction has been reopened.

"Road users caught within the closure on the southbound carriageway are being cleared by u-turning from the back of the queue.

"Our officers are now working on clearing the traffic from within the closure as fast as practicable.

"However there is a large volume of traffic to be cleared. We appreciate your patience while this is done.

"The soutbound carriageway is expected to remain closed for an extended period of time while a full collision investigation is conducted.

"Southbound traffic should follow the 'hollow diamond' diversion symbol on local road signs.

"Traffic should travel on the M25 clockwise to junction six (A22) then take the A22 southbound for just less than nine miles to the junction with the A264.

"Turn right on to the A264 and continue for almost five miles, to the M23 junction 10.

"Delays are likely on approach to the closures, with additional journey times also expected on diversion routes."

Drivers caught in the resulting traffic say they have been parked up for nearly an hour due to disruption caused by the incident.

An AA traffic report gave further information on the collision.

The Argus:

It stated: "All lanes have been stopped and there is very slow traffic due to an accident involving three cars and a motorbike on the M23 southbound between the M25 and junction nine (Gatwick Airport).

"Traffic has been held while emergency services attend.

"Northbound traffic was briefly held to allow the air ambulance to land."

The road remained closed at 6pm.