SIX cars were involved in two separate collisions on the M20 early this morning near a busy junction.

At least three people suffered minor injuries in the two accidents which happened in the space of five minutes on opposite carriageways, near junction four at Leybourne, near Maidstone.

The first crash happened in lane three of the London-bound carriageway, at about 8.55am. A Ford Escort, Citroen C8, Prima 1.6 and a Toyota were involved.

Shortly afterwards a Ford Mondeo and a Citroen van collided on the coastbound carriageway opposite the crash site.

Kent Ambulance sent two ambulances and a response car to the scene and are understood to have conveyed two walking wounded to Maidstone Hospital.

Lane three of the London-bound carriageway was still blocked at 9.35am.