Traffic was stopped in both directions on the M20 this morning due to safety concerns for a man walking beside the road.

The incident happened during the morning rush hour on the motorway near Maidstone.

A police spokesman said: "We were called due to concerns for the welfare of a man seen walking beside the London-bound M20, near junction 9, at 8.18am."

"To ensure public safety a rolling road closure was enforced and the man has been safely located."

"He has since been detained under the mental health act."

The traffic has now been released and delays are expected to clear.