Six suspected illegal imigrants were arrested after police chased them across the M25.

(Pic: Surrey Police)

A chunk of the motorway, between junction 9-10, was closed in both directions while police went after men running around the main carriageway.

Police initially detained two men, with a possible five more still on the loose. They ended up detaining six.

Multi-tasking Surrey Roads Police, while it was still dealing with the runners, tweeted: “The officer that was updating from the scene was doing so whilst trying to detain the others.

“Trying to get update but obviously busy now.”

There was speculation the men being chased by police were illegal immigrants.

Lara tweeted: “Just saw 2 illegal immigrants run across 8 lanes of m25 traffic.”

The nightmare for drivers began when Surrey Roads Police tweeted shortly after 1pm today: “M25 junction 10-9 in BOTH directions by Cobham Services.

"We have at least 4 males running around the main carriageway. It is now CLOSED."

A helicopter and dog units were helping with the search. Police said they would be as quick as possible.

They re-opened the M25 shortly before 1.50pm.

A spokesman said: "Surrey Police was called to the M25 at Cobham at 12.58pm today following reports of people running across the carriageway.

"The carriageway was closed for approximately 30 minutes to enable officers to safely deal with the incident. Officers were supported at the scene by the National Police Air Service.

"Six people have been arrested on suspicion of illegal entry into the country and will be passed over to UK Visas and Immigration."

Chief constable Lynne Owens said the arrests had 'significant implications'. Surrey has argued in the past that it should receive more money tna a typical county force because it has to deal with the M25, Gatwick and Heathrow.

Last retweet. Detaining of potential illegal immigrants has significant implications. M25 shut with @SurreyRoadCops @NPAS_Redhill deployed — Lynne Owens (@CCLynneOwens) July 9, 2015

Police re-opened the M25 shortly before 1.50pm.

We have another 3 possibly outstanding. Starting to run out of handcuffs! — Surrey Police - RPU (@SurreyRoadCops) July 9, 2015

M25 Closed. Horrendous scenes for drivers. Some have decided the traffic is so bad they must step out of the car! pic.twitter.com/CZr8NeWhSw — Ross Gregory (@RossGregory30) July 9, 2015

For more traffic news visit www.surreycomet.co.uk/traffic