Five people have been taken to hospital after a crash that closed the M20 for several hours.

Police were called to the three-vehicle smash on the coast-bound carriageway of the M20 near Ashford.

The crash, involving two vans and a car, happened between junction 8 for Hollingbourne and 9 for Ashford at 8.15pm yesterday.

Witnesses reported at least one vehicle on its roof.

It is thought a car fell from the vehicle it was being carried on, leading to a pile-up behind it.

There were five casualties. Four had minor injuries and one man had a serious leg injury.

All five were taken to a local hospital for further treatment.

The coast-bound carriageway was closed while emergency services dealt with the incident. It reopened at 2.25am.

Witnesses are asked to email 10568@kent.pnn.police.uk