Shocked villagers heard a "massive bang" as a huge lorry fire on the M20 made their houses shake.

Flames could be seen for miles around after the blaze broke out at about 9pm on the coastbound stretch near Sellindge.

Emergency services closed the carriageway between Junction 10a for Ashford and Junction 11 for Hythe, but reopened the route just after midnight.

One lane remained shut this morning while barrier repairs were carried out.

Those living in Sellindge say they heard a "big boom" as the HGV’s trailer caught alight.

“It was crazy - I thought it was someone's house first off, but luckily it wasn’t,” one villager said.

“The bangs even made our house shake.”

National Highways described the blaze as "intense" but the driver escaped without injury.

Witnesses say the trucker managed to detach the cab from the trailer before the blaze took hold.

Two fire engines were called and the cause is believed to be accidental.

In a statement at 6.40pm, National Highways said all lanes had reopened, but resurfacing work is expected to take place overnight.

A spokesperson said: “The hard shoulder will remain closed until further emergency resurfacing works are carried out this evening under a lane one and two closure. Thank you for your patience during these repairs.”

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