Eleven people were injured in a crash which caused part of the M26 to be shut for nine hours, leading to massive delays on several motorways.

The M26 was closed between the junctions of the M20 and M25 on the London-bound carriageway, at around 7pm.

Traffic was unable to exit the M20 to join the M26.

Drivers were advised to continue on the M20 to join the M25 at Junction 3.

The road reopened shortly after 4am the following morning.

A police spokesman said officers were called to a crash involving a van and a car on the London-bound carriageway of the M26 between Junctions 2A and 1. A further car on the eastbound carriageway was also involved in the collision.

He added: "Officers, the South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent Fire and Rescue Service attended where 11 people were treated for injuries. Four were taken to a local hospital for further medical attention.

"The London-bound carriageway was closed while the vehicles were recovered and an oil spillage was cleared by Highways teams. The coastbound carriageway was briefly closed to allow removal of debris."

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