THE driver of a car involved in an early morning motorway accident today is critically ill in hospital in Ashford.

He sustained life-threatening injuries in a collision on the hard shoulder of the coastbound M20 just after 6.30am.

Police have not named the driver or confirmed whether he is a local man.

The southbound carriageway was closed between junction 9 and 11 for five hours as officers from the serious collision investigation unit examined the scene.

The crash and subsequent diversions through Ashford and the A20 caused rush-hour traffic chaos throughout the area. Hundreds of motorists were delayed for several hours.

The situation was made worse by a lorry that broke down on the Junction 9 roundabout, blocking one lane. The motorway was re-opened at 11.30am.