A high-speed police chase along a busy stretch of motorway ended in an innocent explanation this afternoon.

Motorists spotted vehicles tearing past them along the M20 between Maidstone and Ashford just after 1pm today.

However a Kent Police spokesman revealed the dramatic chase, which reportedly saw the pursued car swerving to avoid a stinger, was in fact a training exercise.

The pursuit, which has now concluded, brings to an end a week of drills.

Police said the aim of the training exercises was to demonstrate a range of tactical manoeuvres, such as boxing in target vehicles.