An emergency air ambulance operation halted traffic at Junction 13 on the M25 near Staines today.

Surrey Police said they were appealing for witnesses after two heavy goods vehicles were involved in a serious collision Wednesday morning (February 20).

Surrey Police said: "We are appealing for witnesses following a serious collision on the M25 at junction 13 for Staines this morning.

"The collision happened at 8.32am and involved two heavy goods vehicles on the anti-clockwise carriageway.

"Both carriageways were closed for a short period to allow an air ambulance to land and then take off again following the driver of the lorry being freed."

Highways England meanwhile tweeted an image (pictured) taken my one of their remote cameras which showed a dramatic moment of the air ambulance hovering just metres above the tarmac while massive queues of motorists in both directions were held back by the authorities attending the scene.

Lanes were opened gradually during the morning as the emergency services helped attend to the victims of the collision and get traffic moving again.

By midday, at least two lanes in both directions had been re-opened, but the authorities said to anticipate further delays in the area.

Around 11am, Highways England said : "Traffic has been released. The full carriageway closure at J13 has been removed, however 2 lanes (of 4) remain closed at this time between J13 and J12 to facilitate recovery works.

"Long delays remain on approach, so allow extra time for your journey."

Surrey Police meanwhile urged any witnesses of the collision to come forward: "Anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have dashcam footage is asked to contact Surrey Police on 101 or tell us online via or http://surrey.police.uk/TellUsMore quoting reference PR/P19040319."

Anyone with information about the incident can also get in touch100 per cent anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111; or through their anonymous online form: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/