A TRAIN collided with an inspection gantry as it passed under the M20 causing severe delays for thousands of motorists.

The motorway was reduced to one lane between junctions five (Aylesford) and six (Blue Bell Hill) coastbound causing long tail backs after the 9.57pm Paddock Wood to Gillingham service on Monday was in collision with the jib of the mobile inspection gantry.

A 54-year-old crane driver from Darlington has been arrested on suspicion of endangering safety and obstructing the railways. He has been released on bail.

How damage was caused to the motorway is still unclear. The incident happened as the train passed beneath a road-over-rail bridge at Little Preston, between Maidstone West and Aylesford railway stations, at 10.35pm on Monday night.

The train was severely damaged and lines were blocked in both directions. A passenger who was travelling on the train was taken to Gillingham's Medway Maritime Hospital with what is believed to be whiplash, before later being discharged.

The train driver and conductor were also treated for minor injuries.

Replacement taxis and bus services were provided to assist passengers whose journeys were disrupted.

A full investigation is under way into the cause of the incident.