Two people had to be freed from an overturned van that closed part of the M20.

The incident happened on the coastbound carriageway between junction 10a for Ashford and junction 11 for Westenhanger.

Emergency services and highways officers were called to the scene.

A spokesperson for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said that four fire engines and the technical rescue unit attended where crews used cutting equipment to free two people.

Both people were passed into the care of paramedics, while police were also called ot the scene shortly before 3pm.

A spokesperson for the police said: “A man sustained injuries and was taken to the William Harvey Hospital.”

An ambulance spokesperson added: “SECAmb is at the scene of a serious collision on the M20.

“Crews are working with our emergency service colleagues to manage the incident.”

Traffic backed up on the carriageway, while Ashford also experienced long queues as drivers travel through the town due to the diversion.

All lanes were released at around 6.20pm, however there were still severe delays in the area.

The road was clear by around 9pm.

A second crash was also reported further towards London on the same carriageway.

Emergency services were forced to deal with the collision, believed to be between three vehicles, near Junction 4 for Snodland.

The middle and fast lanes of the carriageway were shut for around 40 minutes before traffic was held, but restrictions have now been lifted and delays are easing.