Two police officers have been praised for helping a woman given birth in the back of her car on the motorway.

Officers PC Aimee Smith and PC Nathan Southern came across the pregnant woman in a stranded vehicle on the M25 at around 2.45pm on Monday.

Both officers helped the mum, who was in the back seat of the car in a live lane on the slip road off the Darenth Interchange, near Dartford, before calling for trained police medic Sergeant Brett Barham.

PS Barham, from the Swale local policing team, said: "When I arrived the baby girl had just been born into the hands of the officers, but due to the extreme traffic congestion in the area we felt that an ambulance would not be able to get to the scene quick enough to assist mum and baby.

"As a result we turned on the lights and assisted her and her partner with a convoy to the local hospital and left the family in the care of the professionals where I understand they are doing well.

"I am delighted that we were nearby and able to offer assistance in this case. I wish the family and their new addition, the very best."

PC Southern from the Rural Task Force added: "I am glad that baby and family are doing well. This will definitely be one of those shifts I remember for the rest of my career."