A “serious accident” requiring firefighters, paramedics and police blocked the A3 Kingston by-pass this afternoon.

Witnesses warned drivers to avoid the area after seeing emergency services.

Traffic had only just recovered from a police incident on the M25 earlier in the day.

Earlier: M25 closed in BOTH directions while police chased 'suspected immigrants' who leaped out of lorry

The crash was between A243 Hook Road and A244 Copsem Lane and delays are expected.

One witness said she saw 12 fire engines travelling towards the accident on the southbound carriageway.

A spokesman from the London Fire Brigade said they were called out just after 4pm today a car and a tree collision along the A3 at Hook Rise South between Hook and Esher.

Four fire engines and a fire rescue unit were called.

It is believed South East Coast Ambulance also attended.

TfL Traffic News said: “The outbound A3 is now shut at the Surrey boundary due to a collision at Esher Common. Traffic is diverted towards the Scilly Isles Rbt.”

Joanna Santinon tweeted: “30 degrees – traffic not moving at all, 100 miles still to go and I have a 3 & 5 year old in the car - #badday for all.”

For live travel visit www.surreycomet.co.uk/traffic