Five Brighton men making their way home from a stag party have died in an horrific crash on the M25.

The men were travelling in the cab of a recovery vehicle after their minibus broke down.

They were killed alongside the recovery driver when the vehicle ploughed into the back of a heavy goods vehicle at 2.13am.

A sixth passenger is seriously ill in East Surrey Hospital but was said this afternoon to be in a stable condition with a broken leg and facial injuries.

The men had been travelling home to Brighton from their celebrations in Leicestershire.

They were in a party of 13 on the minibus. After it broke down on the M1 at Junction 18, one of the men called the AA and Dunchurch Motors Ltd sent a recovery vehicle and a passenger vehicle.

Seven of the men, thought to include the stag, were transported safely back to Brighton.

The six others got into the cab of the recovery vehicle, which was towing the minibus. The crash took place on the anti-clockwise section of the M25 between Junctions 9 and 8. Those who died were aged 25 to 30. The recovery driver was 46 and from Rugby.

Surrey Police said it was one of the worst crashes they had ever dealt with on the motorway.

Chief Superintendent Rob Price said: "Our thoughts are very much with the families and friends of the six people who died in this tragic crash.

"This is one of the worst collisions Surrey Police have dealt with on the M25. At this stage is too early to confirm the exact cause of the collision.

"A thorough investigation is being undertaken by Surrey Police collision investigation team and it will be a number of days before we will be in a position to release further details."

In a statement, Dunchurch Motors Ltd said: "This is a terrible tragedy. We are trying to come to terms with this ourselves. Our thoughts are with the family of our driver and the families of those affected by this tragic incident. Surrey Police are investigating this awful tragedy and therefore we cannot comment further."

Do you know any of the men involved? Leave your tributes below, email news@theargus.co.uk or call 01273 544514.