An overturned lorry on the M2 has caused commuter chaos this morning.

The vehicle crashed last night and shed its load on the London-bound stretch between Sittingbourne and Gillingham. The road remained closed this morning after 10 hours.

Traffic is backing up along other roads including the A249 at Stockbury roundabout at junction 5 of the M2.

National Highways has tweeted a reminder saying: "The #M2 remains closed westbound between J5 (#Sittingbourne) and J4 (#Gillingham) to recover an overturned HGV. Clear up work continues and is expected to be completed by 06:00 approximately."

Police are also at the scene and diversions are in place. Motorists are advised to use the M20 at Maidstone. Others are using the A2.

National Highways website says: "Due to the complex nature of the recovery we have no time for reopening at this stage."

Motorists have been told to follow the 'solid square' diversion symbol on signs.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "We were called at 7.45pm last night (Wednesday 27 April) after a lorry overturned at a location between a slip-road and the London-bound M2 at junction 5.

"Officers attended. There were no serious injuries."

He added: "The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol and after also failing a roadside drugs test."

National Highways says: "Road users should exit the M2 at J5 and join the southbound A249. Remain on the A249 to J7 of the M20. Join the M20 westbound. Exit the M20 at J4 and join the A228 northbound. Follow the A228 northbound to J2 of the M2."

It adds: "If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

The London-bound carriageway was reopened at 8am but the junction 5 entry slip from the A249 remained closed for the clean-up operation. National Highways warned that long delays remained.

Up to date information is on 0300 123 5000.