A dual carriageway shut all day has reopened as police launch an appeal for witnesses following a suspected road rage attack.

Traffic was brought to a standstill on the London-bound carriageway in Canterbury with drivers told to seek alternative routes following the incident early this morning.

The closure stretched from the junction for the A2050 at Bridge and the A28 at Wincheap.

Police confirmed two men were assaulted “following an earlier traffic incident” between 5am and 5.40am, with the road shut since then.

Launching an appeal for witnesses, officers revealed a silver Mercedes-Benz C Class and white SEAT were involved in the incident and the victims were assaulted on the side of the carriageway.

One was taken to a London hospital with serious injuries while another was treated at a local hospital.

A police spokesman said: “Officers are appealing for anyone who saw this incident, or either of the vehicles in the moments leading up to it, to come forward and speak with them.

“Drivers are also urged to check dashcam for any important footage.”

Police have now left the scene and highway officers reopened the road at about 7.45pm.

Motorists were stuck for as long as four hours before finally being turned around.

John Frayne was one of those in the queue.

He said: “I set off early to pick my daughter up from Nottingham University then got stuck here.

“Several ambulances and police units passed after about half an hour, but there have been no other clues to work out what’s happening.

“People are now walking about looking for toilet breaks now.”

Anyone with information should call 01303 289 600, quoting reference 14-0241. CCTV or dashcam footage and information can also be submitted via the public portal

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the online form on their website.