Traffic was left gridlocked earlier after a lorry fire shut down the A127 and caused chaos on the surrounding roads.

The eastbound carriageway on the A127 was closed off earlier today between the Great Warley turn off to Childerditch Lane following the incident.

Billowing plumes of smoke could be seen coming from the lorry which had been engulfed in flames on the road.

The fire - A lorry burst into flames on the A127The fire - A lorry burst into flames on the A127 (Image: Mel Brannon)

Firefighters were on the scene to tackle the fire as onlooking drivers watched on from a standstill.

The blaze has since been extinguished by fire crews, while traffic in the area has resumed.

AA traffic maps confirmed the road remains partially blocked with congestion to just after the Upminister turnoff.

Traffic - Cars had been left at a standstillTraffic - Cars had been left at a standstill (Image: Mel Brannon) Smoke plumes - Smoke could be seen billowing from the lorrySmoke plumes - Smoke could be seen billowing from the lorry (Image: Mel Brannon)

Severe delays remain in place as motorists try to navigate their way through traffic, with current waiting times clocking in at 16 minutes.

The incident is still affecting the M25 with congestion stretching from junction 27 to junction 29.