The A249 had to be closed Maidstone-bound near Detling this evening after a crash involving a car and a van.

Police were called after an accident on the dual-carriageway between the Stockbury roundabout and Detling Hill just before 8pm.

They were joined by firefighters, medics and Highways England officers.

A police spokesman said: "Officers, South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent Fire and Rescue Service are attending the scene on the A249 on Detling Hill near Maidstone following a report of a collision involving a car and a van at 7.37pm.

"The road has been closed between Junction 7 of the M20 to the M2 junction while work is ongoing to clear the area."

Motorists were advised to use the M2, A229 Bluebell Hill and M20.

Highways England estimated that the road would take until at least midnight to clear but it was eventually reopened at about 10.40pm.