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Section of M20 closed due to lorry fire

Josh McLaughlin
BBC News, South East
Ben London A yellow lorry pulled up on to the hard shoulder of the M20 motorway has flame and dark, black smoke emerging from the vehicle. Traffic is at a standstill on the motorway. Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Kent Police are in attendance.Ben London
Kent Fire and Rescue Service told BBC South East they dispatched four fire engines and two water carriers before 09:00 BST to handle the fire

The M20 near Folkestone has been temporarily closed on the westbound carriageway due to a lorry fire which caused smoke to billow across the road.

Traffic has been building around the section that has been closed, from junction 11 (Hythe and Westenhanger) to junction 12 (Cheriton).

Kent Fire and Rescue Service told BBC South East four fire engines and two water carriers were dispatched to the scene of the fire near junction 12 just before 09:00 BST. Kent Police is also in attendance.

National Highways South East said traffic was being diverted via the A20 in both directions.

National Highways National Highways CCTV footage showing traffic building up toward the fire, with cars and lorries stuck in standstill while emergency services work on ensuring people's safety. The sky is clear and blue with smoke rising up on the horizon in the background.National Highways
Traffic building up on the M20 from a National Highways CCTV camera

Police say there have been no reports of injuries. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

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