The M20 has reopened after it was shut for seven hours following a police chase - but will partly close again tonight for the removal of the Operation Brock barrier.

Bomb disposal teams, which were sent to the scene near Junction 9 for Ashford, have now left and the area has been declared safe.

Motorists were stuck for hours due to the sudden closure between Junction 9 and Junction 8 for Leeds Castle.

Police had pursued a speeding vehicle from Cheriton and made a "tactical hit" to bring it to a stop.

A 27-year-old man from Wales was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.

He remains in custody.

The Army was called as a precautionary measure following concerns about the security of the pursued vehicle, but it has since been declared safe.

It has now been removed from the London-bound carriageway and the route has reopened.

However, the London-bound carriageway is set to shut again at 8pm to allow for scheduled works to remove the Operation Brock barrier.

The coast-bound route will stay open as normal.

A spokesman from the force said: "Kent Police wishes to thank everyone for their patience and understanding whilst the motorway was closed."

Keep up-to-date with developments on transport and stories that will impact how you travel

Read more: All the latest news from Kent