A section of the M40 near Oxford is down to one lane in both directions due to fuel spill from an overturned lorry full of chewing gum.

Police have blocked off the stretch between Junction 8A for Oxford Services and Junction 9 at Wendlebury Interchange for the A34.

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Traffic was backed up almost to Junction 10 at Cherwell Valley services earlier this morning and there were also queues on the A34 and A40 heading towards Oxford as motorist seek alternate routes.

Oxford Mail:

A lorry hit the central reservation on the northbound side, overturning and spilling diesel onto the road.

Oxford Mail: Picture: Nigel SnellPicture: Nigel Snell

Southbound was closed at 6.30am, with northbound trapped traffic all released around 7am.

Oxford Mail: Picture: Nigel SnellPicture: Nigel Snell

One lane is each direction has now reopened but recovery work is ongoing.

Thames Valley Police tweeted: "Truck has rolled over and gone through central res on M40 Jn 8a to 9.

"Spilled diesel over all three lanes of southbound. We are working to open as many lanes as we can. It will be a protracted recovery, fully loaded with chewing gum, avoid if possible."