A broken down horsebox led to traffic congestion on the M20 today.

Vehicles were held up between junctions 10 and 11 on the coastbound carriageway after motorists raised concerns about two horses on the hard shoulder.

The incident happened at about 10.40am. The carriageway was reopened three-quarters of an hour later.

Police spokesman Jon Green said that the horsebox had stopped on the hard shoulder because the brakes were smoking.

"The driver unloaded the two horses while she shorted out the problem, and passing motorists called us with concerns that the animals could take fright and bolt into the traffic," he said.

"We went to help the woman and held back the traffic on the motorway until she was on her way again."

The road was reopened at 11.30am.