A four-lorry crash closed the M20 near Ashford. Picture: Gary Browne

The M20 motorway has finally been cleared after a major pile-up involving four lorries yesterday.

Urgent repair work on the coastbound carriageway at junction 10, near Ashford, continued until the early hours of this morning.

Motorists had faced heavy delays since four HGVs collided near the Willesborough turn-off at around 12.20am yesterday - leaving two truckers seriously injured.

The M20 was re-opened coastbound at junction 9 at about 3pm, and last night a further stretch was re-opened after workers cleared two lorries and their loads.

The road surface was damaged in the collision and a significant fuel leak led to urgent repairs.

Two lorry drivers were taken to the William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, with serious injuries. The other two lorry drivers were not hurt.

Aftermath of the lorry crash on the M20 near Ashford

Traffic was earlier being diverted off the M20 at junction 9 and directed through Ashford on the A20, to rejoin the motorway at junction 10.

Witnesses to the crash are asked to phone Kent Police on 01622 798538.