A man has been airlifted to hospital following a pile up on the M2 this evening.

Two fire crews used hydraulic rescue equipment to create space for doctors and paramedics to treat the driver, who was trapped in his vehicle following the five-vehicle smash which happened at around 5pm.

Motorists were warned of 90 minute delays following the accident, which happened between the junction 6 turn off for the A251 and Faversham and junction 7 and has led to all lanes of both carriageways being shut.

A police spokesman said: "We were called to a multi-vehicle collision on the M2 coastbound, near junction 6, at 4.58pm on Thursday 20 July 2017.

"The South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance were also called and are assessing people for any injuries at the scene.

"The motorway is currently closed coastbound and Kent Fire and Rescue Service have also been called."

Delays are being reported and traffic is being diverted via the A251 and A2 to Brenley Corner.

Traffic is also said to be "gridlock" on the A2 as motorists take alternative routes to avoid going on the M2.

Highways England confirmed the motorway reopened at 8pm.