THERE are severe delays after a crash on a busy road.

Two lanes are currently closed on the M23 near Crawley.

An AA spokesman said: "Two lanes are closed and there is queueing traffic due to a crash involving two cars on the M23 southbound from J10 on the A264 Copthorne Way (Crawley) to J10A on the B2036 Balcombe Road (Crawley South/Balcombe).

"Lanes two and three (of three) are closed.

"There are severe delays of 25 minutes and these delays are increasing on the M23 southbound between J9 (Gatwick Airport) and J10A at the B2036 Balcombe Road (Crawley South/Balcombe).

"The average speed is five mph."

The incident was first reported shortly before 3.30pm.

Highways England South East confirmed that fire and ambulance crews are on the scene.

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: "A crew and Heavy Rescue Tender from Crawley Fire Station are in attendance at this incident on the M23 southbound, between Junctions 10 and 10a at Crawley.

"Please avoid the area for the time being."

Shortly after 4pm traffic officers cleared a car to the hard shoulder and started to open the two closed lanes.

It is reported that traffic has since returned to normal in the area.