by Anna White

awhite@thekmgroup.co.uk

A lorry blaze blocked part of the M20 for almost four hours.

The vehicle, which was carrying paper, caught alight yesterday at about 4.15pm, between junction 7 for Grove Green and junction 6 for Blue Bell Hill.

This picture, taken by Brian Falconer, shows the extensive damage caused to the lorry.

Police shut all four lanes of the London-bound carriageway while three pumps and a water unit from Kent Fire and Rescue tackled the flames.

Crews used breathing apparatus and hose reels to extinguish the blaze.

Firefighters left the scene at 5.15pm, shortly after two lanes were re-opened.

Another lane was cleared at 6pm and all lanes were flowing again by 8pm.

Motorists were diverted along the the A20 to avoid the closure.

The incident caused major traffic problems in Maidstone town centre and the A249 Detling Hill.

No one was injured.