The M20 was briefly closed in one direction after an accident involving several vehicles.

There are four miles of congestion after traffic was held on the coastbound carriageway between junction 8 for Leeds Castle and junction 9 for Ashford - but one lane has now been reopened.

It is understood that the collision involved four or five vehicles.

Fire, ambulance and Highways England traffic officers are on the scene.

The delays are adding about 45 minutes to journey times.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 4.15pm following a multi-vehicle collision on the M20 coastbound between Junctions 8 and 9.

"Officers are currently in attendance. No serious injuries have been reported at this stage."

In a separate incident this evening, all traffic is being temporarily held and there is stationary traffic due to accident on the eastbound-carriageway from junction 7 for the A249 Maidstone/Detling Hill to junction 8 A20 for Ashford Road and Leeds Castle /Maidstone Services.

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