A 10-mile (16km) section of motorway has been closed in both directions after a 15ft (4m) hole appeared in the central reservation.

Long tailbacks built up after the M2 in north Kent was shut between junction five, near Sittingbourne, and junction six, south of Faversham.

The Highways Agency said the hole measured 16ft (5m) by 6ft (2m).

A spokeswoman said the road would be reopened "when it is safe to do so".   cn  domain

She said: "The road has been closed while urgent safety checks are made following a large hole opening up in the central reservation.

"Agency staff and contractors are working hard to inspect the hole and make the necessary repairs and lanes will be reopened when it is safe to do so."

She added that there were delays both east and westbound in the area of the closure and urged drivers heading to and from the port of Dover to use the M20 instead.

The agency initially said the hole was 50ft deep. It is now investigating what caused it.cn  domain