Motorists faced rush-hour delays this morning following a police chase along the A249.

Officers were called at 5am to an incident at HMP Swaleside in Eastchurch, Sheppey.

A vehicle was pursued along the A249 and stopped by police in Maidstone at just before junction 6 of the M20.

The road was closed until 6.30am while officers carried out a search of the carriageway.

A 34-year-old man from Worthing, West Sussex, was arrested on suspicion of conveying prohibited property to a prison and remains in police custody while the items are being located and checked.

The incident led to traffic tailing back between Detling and Stockbury roundabout on the southbound A249.

The road was fully opened by 7.30am.