A horse and its owner had a lucky escape after a horsebox caught fire on a key route in Ashford.

Fire crews and police were called to the scene on the A251 Trinity Road near the Eureka Leisure park in Ashford.

The road was closed between junction 9 of the M20 and Rutherford Road, but has since reopened.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 1.13pm to reports that a horsebox was on fire on Trinity Road, Ashford.

"Officers have enforced a lane closure to support crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Services and are awaiting recovery of the horsebox."

Traffic on the motorway was also affected.

The horse was safely out of the box and with its owner by the time crews arrived.