The Highways Agency has reopened the M2 at J5 after a five car smash on the coast-bound carriageway at Sittingbourne - but expect delays.

The road is now cleared after the incident at 11.50am resulted in closude. Traffic is now passing through slowly.

At least two appliances from Kent Fire and Rescue Service, four ambulance crews and four police cars attended.

One motorist, who does not want to be named, had been stationary since about noon. He said: "Traffic was at a stand-still. A man let people use the loo in his motor home, and people got out of their cars walking their dogs."

He had earlier said: "It looks like it's going to be shut for some time."

It is believed 13 people were involved. Five have been taken to hospital. Among the injuries were back and neck pains. Another has a heart problem.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 11.50am today following a report of a five-vehicle road traffic collision at J5 of the M2.

The Highways Agency tweeted when it opened the road that it had worked hard but to expect delays.