The M20 was shut near Ashford this afternoon due to a fire on the grass verge.

Firefighters were called to the fire between Junction 9 at Ashford and Junction 8 at Maidstone, at 1.15pm, and traffic was held on the London-bound carriageway.

Kent Fire and Rescue say a car broke down just after Junction 9, and while the car itself was not alight, a mechanical failure led to a fire on the verge.

Crews put the flames out with a high-pressure hose reel, and the blaze was under control by around 1.50pm.

Traffic was diverted along the A20, until the carriageway was reopened at 3.30pm.