The M25 has been shut after a serious collision involving a crane that overturned and crashed over both sides of the carriageway.

The incident happened at junction 27 with the M11 in Essex on Friday evening. It has caused huge tailbacks in both directions including more than 10 miles on the clockwise carriageway of the motorway around London.

Essex police confirmed no one was seriously injured but added the road is likely to be closed for “some considerable time”.

Highways England has also warned motorists to avoid the area while the emergency services work to clear the scene.

Pictures shared on social media showed an unknown liquid coming from the vehicle and covering parts of the road.

Damage to the central reservation of the M25 after a crane overturned and crashed over both sides of the carriageway. Photograph: Essex Police/PA

Several blocks from the carriageway have been broken off by the crane and spread across the junction making it impossible for cars to pass.

Highways England have said the incident is causing congestion on the M25 clockwise between junction 25 and 27, adding at least 80 minutes to normal journey times.