A MOTORCYCLIST airlifted to hospital after an accident on the M20 yesterday was detained in Maidstone Hospital overnight.

A hospital spokesman said today that his injuries were not life-threatening. He is being treated for injuries to his arm, shoulder and chest.

Part of the M20 was shut yesterday after the bike rider was involved in a crash between Aylesford and Maidstone.

Rush-hour traffic ground to a halt after police closed the coastbound carriageway between junctions four and five just before 9.30am to allow the Kent Air Ambulance to get to the patient.

The accident caused major hold-ups on the motorway.