Delays built after a section of the M26 was shut this afternoon when a horse became stuck in its trailer.

The east-bound carriageway was closed between the M25 at Sevenoaks and J2a for Wrotham at about 12.20pm.

Kent Police said the driver of a horsebox had pulled onto the hard shoulder when the animal got its leg stuck over a crossbar.

A spokesman said officers shut the carriageway to protect other drivers.

The horse had been safely removed from the trailer after around two hours and was being examined by a vet.

All lanes reopened by about 3.30pm, but delays were expected into the rush-hour.

Kent Highways advised drivers to divert via the anti-clockwise M25 carriageway to J3 and then onto the coast-bound M20.

The incident led to long delays on the east-bound A25 through Sevenoaks.

The carriageway remained open west-bound.

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