Part of the M20 in Kent was closed to traffic on Monday afternoon due to four horses being on the road.

Kent Police said the incident between junctions one – near Farningham – and three, to the M26, was reported at 12:05 BST.

Traffic on the westbound carriageway was also stopped for a short period but has since been released.

Diversion routes for eastbound traffic were lifted at about 15:50, after the horses were escorted into a nearby secure field, National Highways said.

Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, and traffic officers from National Highways attended the incident.

“Closures were put in place for the safety and welfare of road users, emergency staff, and the animals,” the force said.

Officers were able to contact the owner of the horses, who helped with efforts to get them back to a secure location, National Highways said.