A man has been questioned by police after allegedly starting a fire on the M2 before abandoning the blaze and car on the hard shoulder.

Firefighters were called on Monday evening after rubbish was found alight on the side of the motorway near Faversham.

Police said a man fled the scene but officers managed to track the 41-year-old down.

The man, from Crayford, was arrested in the town on suspicion of causing criminal damage and has been released under investigation.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was reported at 8.14pm between junctions 6 and 7 and two fire engines were sent to the scene.

A spokesman confirmed a Mercedes car was not damaged but rubbish was ablaze when fire crews arrived.

They added: “Fire crews dealt with a fire on the hard shoulder of the coast-bound carriageway, next to a car.

“Crews extinguished the fire with a hose reel.”

The motorway was closed for 45 minutes while the incident was dealt with.

A police spokesman said: “A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. He has been released under investigation.”