Motorists are advised to find alternative routes after a crash on the M3 northbound is causing major tailbacks

A multi-vehicle accident and grass verge fire has closed the M3 between junction three and two. The grass fire happened at around midday, and the car crash happened in the same area.

Five fire engines from Surrey Fire and Rescue are tackling the grass fire, while another two were sent to deal with the crash which happened on a section of motorway currently undergoing roadworks.

Fire crews are now handing out water near the front of the pile up. People are walking up the motorway several miles to get some while others are forced to go to the toilet at the side of the road.

One motorist said: “I've just been given a welcome plastic cup of water, it's blooming roasting out here. A family with a little baby are in front and are trying to arrange for someone to travel to a road alongside the motorway so they can scale the fence and get the baby out of the heat!”

Another family from Fair Oak is moving house and are unsure if the removals van is caught up in the same traffic.

The Highways Agency said it was dealing with both incidents but that the road would be closed "for some time".

Motorists have spent as much as two hours in the gridlock so far with many leaving their vehciles trying to find out more information.