A 15-mile stretch of the M20 has reopened - after police stopped a car and bomb disposal teams were called to the scene.

Officers made "tactical contact" with a speeding car travelling London-bound from Junction 9 at Ashford after a lengthy chase this afternoon.

WATCH: Army explosives experts use a device to inspect the scene. Video: UKNIP

The clean-up operation forced the stretch of motorway between Junction 9 and Junction 8 for Leeds Castle to be closed in both directions - resulting in big tailbacks.

Cars stuck in the traffic have been turned around by police - travelling the wrong on the M20 in order to be free of the standstill.

WATCH: Traffic is turned around on the M20 by police having been at a standstill for more than two hours. Video: @JessTeamMinogue / Twitter

The Army was called by police to attend amid concerns over the security of the vehicle stopped in the pursuit.

The vehicle was brought to a halt after being "tactically hit" by a chasing police car.

A 27-year-old man from Wales was subsequently arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop for officers. He remains in custody.

The chase ensued shortly after 11.25am when police attempted to halt a vehicle travelling at excess speed near Junction 12.

The speeding car did not stop and exited the M20 before returning onto the London-bound carriageway.

Police chased the vehicle to Ashford and made tactical contact in order to bring it to a stop.

No injuries were reported.

The stretch between Ashford and Leeds Castle was shut in both directions to ensure the road was made safe following the pursuit.

Motorists have been stuck in queues for hours and others have been turned around and directed back.

There have been long queues on the A20 as diverted drivers try to find alternative routes.

A police spokesman said: "The British Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team attended the scene as a precautionary measure following concerns about the security of the subject vehicle, which has subsequently been declared safe and removed from the carriageway.

"Kent Police wishes to thank everyone for their patience and understanding whilst the motorway was closed."

The London-bound carriageway is set to shut again at 8pm to allow for scheduled works to remove the Operation Brock barrier.

The coast-bound route will stay open as normal.

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