Two runaway horses which strayed onto a busy section of road at the worst possible time for Christmas shoppers have been caught.

The animals were roaming a section of the A229 between Chatham and Maidstone — heading towards the appropriately named Running Horse roundabout — but have now been gathered.

Motorists were facing hold-ups following the situation on the Maidstone bound carriageway of Blue Bell Hill while they were diverted to avoid upsetting the pair.

Kent Police dealt with the situation having been alerted just before midday. Traffic was temporarily stopped at Junction 6 London bound of the M20 to allow the horses to be captured.

A spokesman for the force said: "We received a number of calls about two loose horses on the Maidstone-bound carriageway of Blue Bell Hill near the Running Horse roundabout.

"The horses have been gathered and are due to be collected in a horse box soon. Traffic is being diverted to avoid causing distress to the animals and to prevent them from bolting."

It comes as Kent County Council Highways have reported that both major car parks in the town — Fremlin Walk and The Mall — are currently full as last minute shoppers desperately search for presents.