Drivers are being warned of “extensive traffic disruption” after a lorry leaked 16,000 litres (3,520 gallons) of diesel along 10 miles (16km) of roads in Surrey.

Road closures are in place and services on the M25 have been closed while a clean up of the “significant” spillage takes place.

Surrey Highways said disruption was expected throughout Tuesday and “over the coming days” in the area around the spill on the A24.

A spokesperson said drivers were advised to avoid the area until further notice.

The Surrey Highways spokesperson said: “Following the diesel spillage on the A24 between the Beare Green roundabout to the Leatherhead M25 junction (junction nine), the road remains closed northbound.

“Surrey Highways teams are on site making the area safe and dealing with the clean-up of this significant spillage that is approximately 16,000 litres and spans 10 miles of road.”

They said Cobham Services, which is 4.5miles (7.2km) along the M25 from junction nine, was also closed.

Ross Mendenhall, operations director at Extra MSA, which operates Cobham Services, said a lorry with a leaking fuel tank had entered the site, spilling diesel throughout.

He added: “We are working as fast as we can to resolve the issue but estimate that the operation will take a few hours before we can safely re-open for vehicles.”

Traffic monitoring site Inrix said the services closure was related to closures on the A24.

The Surrey Highways spokesperson said: “Extensive traffic disruption is expected throughout today and over the coming days.

“Drivers are advised to avoid the area until further notice and keep an eye on Surrey Highways social media channels for regular updates.”

Surrey Police said there had been a “significant fuel spillage”, and roads were likely to be closed “for some time”.