A long stretch of the M20 was closed for hours after an injured woman was seen on the roadside.

Highways England sealed off the London-bound route between Junction 9 for Ashford and Junction 8 for Leeds Castle.

Police were called to the scene just before 6.50am after the woman - who was a pedestrian - was discovered near the London-bound carriageway.

Officers say she is now in hospital and inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances.

The coastbound carriagway was also closed in order for the air ambulance to attend, but the woman was taken to hospital via land ambulance.

During the closure, traffic was diverted off the motorway at Junction 9 and Kent County Council's highways team recommended motorists sought alternative routes via the A20.

Just before 2pm, Highways England said police officers had "finished their investigations" and reopened the road.

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