HEAVY congestion caused delays of around an hour on the M40 this morning after a 'major incident' involving several cars. 

The northbound crash occurred between J6 (Watlington) and J7 (Thame). However, debris was also reported on the southbound carriageway and motorists were told to approach the area with caution. 

Delays were reported on both carriageways but traffic is now back to normal.

It is unclear if anyone was hurt. 

Lanes two and three reopened not long after the incident and the vehicles were moved to the hard shoulder. 

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The Oxford Mail's live travel feed said earlier: "Travel time is around 60 minutes on the northbound side and on the southbound side around 15 minutes. Local authorities have now had to close lanes one and two (of three) to further assist with clear up of debris.

"Vehicles remain on hard shoulder awaiting recovery following the accident in the central reservation initially blocking lanes two and three."

Oxford Mail:

This was the scene (above) at around 7.30am this morning, according to Google Maps.

By 8am (below) it had worsened, with traffic stretching from south of Lewknor to north of Great Milton. 

Oxford Mail:

One social media user, Lisa Kelly, tweeted that traffic was at a 'complete standstill' about 30 minutes after reports of crash the began coming in, which was at around 7am.  

To keep up to date with the incident, click here.