Bridge collapse causing chaos

The busy motorway has been closed in both directions in Kent after the bridge between Junction 4 for Leybourne and Snodland and Junction 3 for the M26 was hit by a vehicle and collapsed soon after midday.

One person was injured and Highways England say the motorway will be closed until at least midday on Sunday after a lorry hit the pedestrian bridge.

A number of Ryman League clubs travelling to and from Kent could be hit by the motorway closure and are advised to consider taking other routes or completely avoid the area.

Ryman League officials are talking to clubs who could be caught up in the travel chaos and may suffer delays to their 3pm kick-offs. Hythe Town at home to Horsham and Folkestone versus Invicta Needham Market were both hit by the delays, the former kicking off at 3.30pm and the latter at 4pm.

Motorists were already being warned before the major incident to expect tailbacks on Saturday on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year with millions of Britons setting out on bank holiday weekend trips.

A spokeswoman for Kent Police said: "It is believed a lorry collided with a pedestrian bridge which has collapsed onto the carriageway below. No people are believed to be trapped in the debris, however one person is believed to have suffered injuries, not reported to be life-threatening at this time."

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