A major route is expected to be closed for several hours after a pedestrian was hit by a lorry.

The M2 coastbound has been shut between junction 5 for Sittingbourne and junction 6 for Faversham since around 8.10pm after the collision.

All traffic is currently being held while emergency services attend the incident.

A police spokesman warned drivers the stretch of motorway would likely be shut into the early hours of the morning.

They said: “Drivers are warned of significant delays on the M2 following a serious collision involving a pedestrian on the coastbound carriageway.

“The collision happened near Stockbury and Faversham. Police and other emergency services are at the scene and the coastbound carriageway is expected to remain closed for several hours.

“Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes and are urged to check for travel updates on the Highways website.

A post on social media by National Highways said the motorway had been shut “due to a serious collision between a lorry and a pedestrian.”

They added: “Police are currently at the scene leading the response to this collision alongside South East Coast Ambulance Service and National Highways Traffic Officers.”

The highways company says police, traffic officers, and paramedics are at the scene.

Motorists are advised to allow extra time for the journey and to exit the motorway at junction 5 to avoid further delays.

Traffic has already backed up to junction 4 on the coastbound route, with National Highways predicting things to be slow until at least 11pm.

The ambulance service has been contacted for comment.