Posted on 09/06/2013 2:12:03 PM PDT by Mr Radical
Drivers have been stuck in huge queues after the M25 Dartford Crossing between Kent and Essex was closed in both directions because of a security alert.
Police ordered the closure when a pedestrian was arrested after being spotted behaving unusually, at about 16:00 BST.
The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge was shut at 17:00 BST, with both tunnels shut 20 minutes later.
Kent Police said officers found a suspicious item, forcing the closures.
There were reportedly nine-mile tailbacks in both Kent, on the anti-clockwise M25, and in Essex, on the clockwise stretch.
Ten-mile tailbacks on the A102 Blackwall Tunnel northbound in south-east London were also reported.
'Man was shouting'
Motorists stuck in the queues have reported seeing an army bomb disposal vehicle, ambulances and emergency service vehicles heading towards the crossing.
...
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.co.uk ...
Friday evening rush hour from Hell...I’m thinking this may involve something more than just your ordinary garden-variety IED.
Drivers have been stuck in huge queues lines after the M25 Dartford Crossing an interstate highway or freewaybetween Kent and Essex was closed in both directions because of a security alert. There were reportedly nine-mile tailbacks backups or traffic jams in both Kent, on the anti-clockwise counter-clockwise M25, and in Essex, on the clockwise stretch.
Nearly 8 hours later the “authorities” still have not explained what was found. I can’t think of a good excuse to keep the public in the dark about the person “acting strangely” and what the package is/was.
I see it’s no reopened. Typical police report, no specifics, just that it is open again...
http://www.kent.police.uk/news/latest_news/130906_suspicious_in.html
It has been confirmed that the item of interest does not pose a threat. Enquiries have concluded on the scene and The Highways Agency and Kent Police are in the process of reopening the Dartford River Crossing.
A20 fully reopened
The A20 in Dover has been fully reopened after a search of a coach. No items have been found and enquiries continue. The coach has been removed from the scene and no further arrests have been made.
The man arrested from the Dartford River Crossing today remains in police custody.
Motorists thanked for patience
Kent Police would like to thank motorists for their patience and support during what must have been a very frustrating wait.
Posted on: 6 Sept 2013 10.55pm
http://www.itv.com/news/story/2013-09-06/dartford-crossing-and-tunnel-closed-m25-queues/
Looks to be open as of about 40 minutes ago. Bomb squad out for “suspicious package” but still haven’t said what is was.
I have a Brit in-law who lives in Kent. He refers to the M-25 as the world’s largest car park.
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