A motorway brought to a standstill after a lorry caught fire has been fully reopened after almost six hours.

Traffic had been stopped on the Londonbound carriageway of the M20 between Junction 9 for Ashford and Junction 8 for Hollingbourne throughout the day following the blaze at about 11am.

The incident caused several miles of congestion as firefighters were called to the scene.

Road users reported being stuck for hours but shortly after 2.30pm two lanes past the blaze were reopened before the road was fully reopened shortly before 5pm.

Vehicles being released from the back of the queues has been stopped with traffic now able to flow past the burned out HGV.

Traffic was held in both directions. The coastbound carriageway reopened earlier this afternoon.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Kirsty Geary said: "Five fire engines and a bulk water carrier attended, and crews wearing breathing apparatus put the fire out using compressed air foam and a hose reel jet.

"There were no reported injuries and the cause is not yet known.

"The affected section of the M20 is set to remain closed for a number of hours while debris is cleared and the scene is made safe."

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