TRAFFIC remains at a standstill after an accident on the M4 in the early hours of the morning.

Thames Valley Police have advised residents to avoid junction 13 and 12 eastbound while they clear up a fuel spillage, after a lorry jack-knifed on the carriageway.

The spillage has damaged at least two of the lanes, and repair works are expected to go on until at list 2am tomorrow October 4.

Police and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the collision shortly after 6am.

When they arrived, it became clear they would have to close down all three lanes going eastbound, leaving motorists stranded on the carriageway.

A police spokesman posted a social media message advising road users to avoid the motorway while police work to clear up the wreckage.

The spokesman said the three lanes were opened fully shortly after 9am, adding: "We were called at 5.53am today to a report that a lorry had jack-knifed on M4 eastbound after J13. The driver and passenger got out of vehicle.

“It shed its diesel tank seriously damaging the surface of at least two lanes of the carriageway.

“A full repair is to be carried out this evening and it is estimated that the road will be reopened to traffic at around 2am tomorrow (4/10).

“All drivers are urged to avoid the area if possible as there are currently long delays.”

The spokesman added that the driver and passenger are not believed to have been injured during the incident.