Two lanes of the M20 are to remain closed overnight after a major diesel spillage.

Motorists are facing delays of around an hour on the coastbound carriageway following an accident near Ashford.

Approximately 200 litres of fuel has been spilled across the road after the incident, which involved just one HGV, at around 9.30am.

The left hand and middle lanes are closed between Junction 9 and Junction 10, and will remain shut overnight.

This afternoon, there was more misery for motorists as traffic heading towards the spillage had to be held after an accident just after 4.30pm blocked the motorway.

It was eventually released by just after 5pm once the vehicles involved had been moved to the hard shoulder.

This morning, the motorway was fully blocked for almost an hour, but the outside lane was reopened at around 10am to allow traffic to begin to file through.

The road will now require resurfacing work to repair the damage caused by diesel, meaning the two lanes will remain closed at least for tonight.

A National Highways spokesman said: "It’s still unclear what exactly happened but current reports suggest the HGV broke down in lane 3 before spilling the diesel.

"The spillage has been treated by the area team using appropriate fuel save and spill kits, however it has been agreed that the area of road will need resurfacing.

"This will be undertaken tonight. Currently there are delays of 30-60 mins in the area.

A KCC statement read: "National Highways remain in attendance and their contractors are at scene clearing a large diesel spillage.

"They have indicated that the road surface will require resurfacing as a result.

"Expect delays in the area and approach with caution."

A police spokesman confirmed the force had been made aware of the accident but its officers were not required.