DRIVERS faced severe delays across Oxfordshire after crashes in the Friday rush hour.

There were reports of a crash on the A34 southbound near Islip, involving up to five vehicles.

It was blocked from the B4027 and congestion was reported to be backed up to the M40 at junction 9, with knock-on tailbacks on the M40 southbound to Junction 10.

All lanes have now reopened.

Charlotte Redman of Thames Valley Police said police, fire and ambulance crews were at the scene. She confirmed there have been casualties but could not give any details on their injuries.

South Central Ambulance Service has not yet responded to requests for further information on the incident, first reported to police at 4.37pm.

East of the city, a crash near Wheatley on the M40 also brought all northbound traffic to a halt.

All lanes have now reopened.

All three lanes between Junction 8A (Wheatley) and Junction 9 (Bicester), had been closed by the crash.

All northbound traffic was completely stopped from 5pm until 6.25pm. Lanes two and three  remained shut until shortly after 7.30pm.

It is not yet known how many vehicles are involved or if anyone is injured.

The queues caused many drivers to leave the M40 at Junction 8A, causing further delays going towards Headington on London Road.