A doctor has been named as among the victims of the M25 crash.

Christopher Janaway was 28 and lived in Brighton, Surrey Police said.

Surrey Police Chief Superintendent Rob Price said the tragedy was one of the worst collisions the force had dealt with on the M25.

But he today praised his officers for the way they handled the crash.

He said: "Our officers were faced with a tragic scene on the M25 yesterday morning and I'm proud they delivered a professional service in very difficult circumstances.

"These officers returned to duty today."

Colleagues of Dr Janaway at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust said they were shocked by his death.

Dr Paul Ransom, accident and emergency consultant for the trust, said: "Chris was a very bright and well-liked doctor.

"We are deeply shocked by this tragic news and our thoughts are with his family."

An AA spokeswoman said in a statement: "Everyone at the AA is deeply shocked by yesterday's M25 accident and our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims at this time of great sadness.

"One of the vehicles involved was operated by Dunchurch Motors, who were carrying out the recovery on behalf of the AA.

"Dunchurch Motors of Rugby has been in business for around 20 years and is a long-standing and well-regarded AA agent.

"We understand that the Surrey Police have confirmed that the recovery vehicle was set up to seat up to seven people, one driver and six passengers, safely and with proper seat belts.

"At this stage we not in a position to comment on the causes of yesterday's tragic accident. The Surrey Police are investigating and will make statements in due course. We will, of course, co-operate fully with any inquiry."

The family of Brighton crash victim Jon Chandler later issued a statement about the 26-year-old, who they confirmed had been a singer/songwriter in "harmonic rock" band the Mojo Fins.

His sister Emma said Jon worked part-time as a care assistant in Brighton because he was trying to get the band, which had been together for four years, off the ground.

They were signed to Amazon records and their first single was due for release in a couple of weeks, she added before reading out a statement on behalf of her family.

It read: "There were never enough hours in the day for Jon to do all the things he wanted to do and see all the people he wanted to see.

"He loved travelling from south east Asia and China to Prague and lots of places in England visiting friends, but he had aspirations to see as much as possible.

"He loved learning new stuff and always had too many books to read, CDs to listen to and films to watch.

"As well as gaining popularity through his band the Mojo Fins, he was extremely popular on a personal level with many friends and family that loved his dry wit, enthusiasm and passionate outlook on life."

The statement continued: "Having spent a great weekend with friends in Leicestershire, he was looking forward to fulfilling his role as best man at his friend's wedding, which he had been directing a lot of time, passion and enthusiasm into over the past few months."

It concluded: "He was a much loved son, brother, boyfriend and friend and will be missed every day."

His sister also requested that she and her family were left alone to grieve. She added that she was unsure if the wedding would go ahead as planned in a few weeks' time.