Drivers are being warned to expect delays of more than an hour after two separate crashes on the M20, in which a man has been taken to hospital.

The first collision, involving two vehicles, was on the London-bound carriageway between junction nine for Ashford and junction eight for Leeds Castle and Maidstone Services.

They were recovered but a second crash has now been reported in the queuing traffic.

The carriageway is now open but Highways England is warning of 70-minute residual delays, with queues spanning seven miles back to junction nine.

Average speeds on the approach to junction eight are just 10mph and motorists are advised to use alternative routes where possible.

A Kent Police spokeswoman said: "We received a report of a two-vehicle collision on the M20 between junctions eight and nine London-bound at around 11.30am on Saturday, July 20.

"Officers attended the scene, along with the South East Coast Ambulance Service, where a man was taken to hospital with injuries."

The crashes occurred in an area of the motorway which is separated by steel barriers - put in place as part of Brexit preparations.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling said last month the barriers would remain on the M20, where there is a 50mph speed limit, until October.

Should the delays continue into the evening, it would mean chaos for those travelling towards Maidstone from Dover, due to a closure of the M2 at 8pm.

Drivers will instead be sent on a massive 69-mile diversion.

However, a Highways England spokesman said: "Delays are reducing and it is anticipated that normal traffic conditions will return shortly."

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