A cordon was put in place in Canterbury because of a gas canister. Picture: Emma Grove

Traffic was brought to a standstill in Canterbury this morning after a gas canister fell off a lorry.

A cordon was thrown around the scene in Military Road for two-and-a-half hours amid fears of a leak.

The vehicle shed its load shortly after 8am between Military Road and Broad Street.

Fire crews cordoned off the area to allow the liquid petroleum gas cylinder - said to be the size of a fire extinguisher - to vent.

It blocked the road near St Thomas's primary school - sparking rush-hour chaos across the city.

The road was re-opened at about 10.30, but long delays were continuing.

Traffic builds in Canterubry amid a gas canister scare. Picture: Kent Highways

Kent Police spokesman Adam Westgarth said: "Police received reports of a hazard on Military Road, Canterbury, just before 8am this morning.

"Calls were received that bits of metal and a gas canister had been found in the road."

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said two crews were sent to the scene to allow the canister to vent under supervision.

A spokesman said a cordon was put in place and the area evacuated.