There were been severe delays on the M20 tonight after a pile-up involving eight vehicles.

Police confirmed no one was seriously injured, but the crash blocked the coastbound carriageway between J5 for Aylesford and J7 for Maidstone/Detling Hill, where there were already roadworks.

It left traffic queuing back as far as the M26 interchange and delays of up to 60 minutes.

There were no injuries following the crash, which happened at around 4.50pm.

Two lanes re-opened at around 6.50pm, but highways officials have warned of "severe delays".

The tailbacks have had a knock-on effect on other key routes as motorists try to avoid the queues, particularly around Maidstone, Aylesford and the M2 between junctions 3 for Chatham and junction 4 for Gillingham.

Traffic heading to the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel terminals are being advised to consider alternative routes.

Highways officials urged drivers to take the M20 feeder road to J6 and take the A229 through Bluebell Hill to the M2 J3, then take the M2 to J5 and then the A249 Detling Hill and rejoin the M20 at J7.

The road fully reopened at around 7.45pm.

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