TRAFFIC came to a standstill in Hendon this morning after a tree fell across the North Circular Road.

The A406 was closed westbound for about four hours due to a fallen ash tree between Henleys Corner and Brent Street.

Emergency services attended the scene and congestion tailed back to Henleys Corner and into Golders Green. A diversion was put in place by police to keep drivers away from the area.

Contractors were called to begin work on clearing the tree, owned by Transport For London, which blocked the lanes on the westbound carriageway.

Disruption was also caused after reports of a suspected gas leak, but investigators declared the area safe.

The roads were reopened and traffic was running smoothly by about 12.30pm.