Police investigating the M25 crash which killed five stag partygoers from Brighton and a driver are waiting to gain a full account from a survivor.

Benjamin Pert is in a stable condition in hospital after undergoing facial surgery for injuries sustained when a recovery truck carrying the stag party's broken-down minibus collided with a lorry.

The collision - described by police as one of the worst crashes on the M25 - happened 30 miles from their homes in Brighton between junctions 8 and 9, Reigate and Leatherhead in Surrey.

The impact killed Andrew Graney, 29, Jonathan Chandler, 26, doctor Matthew O'Donnell, 30, doctor Christopher Janaway, 28, a fifth party member and the recovery vehicle driver.

In an emotional tribute to his "five beautiful friends", groom-to-be James Forrer said they had shared a "terrific weekend's celebration... filled with laughter" in Leicestershire.

It has yet to be decided whether he and his fiancee will postpone their wedding.

Surrey Police said they hope to speak in detail to Mr Pert, who is being treated at Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, West Sussex.

A police spokeswoman said: "The survivor from the stag party is still in hospital. We have already spoken to him briefly but when he is fit and well, we will interview him again in more detail as a witness."

Formal identification of the fifth stag party member is likely to take place soon but the name of the 46-year-old recovery driver, from Rugby, is not expected to be revealed until later, she added.

Mr Chandler, a promising musician with Brighton-based band the Mojo Fins, was due to be one of three best men at the wedding.