A stretch of one of Kent's busiest routes was shut overnight after a lorry spilled hundreds of litres of diesel across the carriageway.

The M20 was closed Londonbound between Junctions 6 at Maidstone and 5 at Aylesford since an HGV ruptured its fuel tank at 10am today.

Motorists were originally told the problem would be cleared by 12.30pm - but the road stayed shut and traffic continued to queue on the approach into the afternoon.

National Highways bosses then announced the full width of the carriageway was to be sealed off all night while teams work to resurface the motorway.

A spokesman said: "An HGV ruptured its fuel tank earlier today, causing the release of between 600-700 litres of diesel across the carriageway.

"Following extensive clean up and examination of the scene, it has been determined that the full width (four lanes) of the Londonbound carriageway requires extensive resurfacing along a 300-metre stretch, together with renewal of the white linings and hatched areas around the slip road.

"The road will remain closed while repairs are carried out."

"Drivers are urged to plan ahead, leave extra time or find an alternative route if possible," the National Highways spokesman added.

"Traffic is being diverted via the feeder road from junction 6 to junction 5. Road users should follow the hollow square symbol."

The road has now opened.