Two people have been taken to hospital following a multi-vehicle crash on a busy stretch of motorway.

The M2 has now re-opened London-bound between junction 3 for Chatham and junction 2 for Rochester after it was closed for several hours.

It follows an incident which happened just before 1pm as snow began to fall across Kent which saw a van reportedly skid on black ice and leave the carriageway.

It is thought two people were injured in the accident. Their injuries are not described as life-threatening.

Emergency services were called with officers from National Highways also present to help with traffic flow.

There was a diversion rerouting all drivers.

Drivers were being told to add extra time to their predicted journeys.

A police spokesman said: “Officers are currently at the scene of a collision involving several vehicles on the westbound carriageway on the M2 near Chatham.

“Patrols and highways officers were called to the scene at 12.44pm. Paramedics have also attended and the carriageway is closed between junctions 3 and 2 while emergency services deal with the incident.”

An ambulance service spokesperson said: “We are in attendance of a multi-vehicle crash on the M2.

“It was reported to us at approximately 12.50pm today.

“It is too early for full details but it appears two patients are being taken to hospital.”

At just after 5.30pm, National Highways said: “The M2 remains closed westbound between J3 and J2 near Rochester following an earlier multi-vehicle collision.

“The road is currently in the process of being gritted and once complete, can reopen. There is currently approximately 1.5 miles of congestion on approach to the closure.”

But in an update at 6.15pm, they posted: “All lanes have now reopened on the M2 westbound between J3 and J2 near Rochester following the earlier incident. We're not reporting any significant residual delays on approach.”