A lorry has burst into flames on a key route in Kent this evening bringing rush-hour traffic to a standstill.

The HGV, which was carrying food, caught alight while on the hard shoulder of the M26 London-bound at junction 2a for Borough Green.

Firefighters using breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets tackled the fire.

It happened at around 5.45pm and highways officials were still trying to get the carriageway fully moving again after 8pm.

Fire crews remained at the scene until 6.47pm to dampen down the lorry and make the area was safe.

Trapped traffic was being released through one lane.

The closure was briefly extended up as far as J3, but has since been reduced back to J2A.

Witnesses reported seeing an ice cream van also stuck in the queues doing a roaring trade.

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