Part of the M20 has reopened six hours after a serious crash involving a tanker lorry closed the carriageway.

Police shut the coastbound side between Junction 10a for Ashford and Junction 11 for Hythe at about 7.45am.

Traffic on the London-bound carriageway was temporarily held to allow the air ambulance to land as paramedics joined police at the scene.

In a statement, police said a man in his 30s, who was on foot, died in the incident after being hit by the lorry.

Two cars, a van and a tanker are involved in the incident, which happened not far from the bridge by Evegate Business Park in Smeeth.

Drivers were diverted onto the A20 before National Highways reopened the motorway at about 2pm.

National Highways said there are now “no excessive delays in the area”, and thanked drivers for their patience.

At 4pm, farmers are due to meet at Ashford Cattle Market on Orbital Park, not far from Junction 10a, before taking part in a go-slow protest around the town.

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