A motorway had to be closed for four hours after about 20 cows got onto the carriageway.

The M26 was shut in both directions between junction 3 and the M25 and A21 while the herd was rounded up

The alarm was raised at about 3.30am today.

A diversion was put in place via the M20, causing traffic to queue back to just after junction 2 for Wrotham and Brands Hatch.

The road reopened at about 7.30am.

A police spokesman said: “Kent Police attended the M26 on the morning of Wednesday 27 September 2023 following reports of cows in the road.

“Officers worked with Highways officers to clear the animals and the motorway was reopened at around 7.30am.”