A trail of havoc has been caused by a large diesel spillage affected at least 10 roads at Dover.

The chaos has today snaked all the way from the A2 near Whitfield into central Dover and west along the B2011 towards Capel-le-Ferne.

Further details of what is behind the pandemonium are expected to be confirmed.

But the 10 known affected roads so far are th A2 soutbound from the Sandwich bypass to the Duke of Yorks’ roundabout, Sandwich bypass and Deal Road, Guston (A258 from the DoY roundabout and past Dover Castle).

In Dover town they are Castle Hill Road, Castle Street. Market Square. York Street. Folkestone Road and Elms Vale Road.

Also affected is the B2011 between Maxton and Capel-le-Ferne.

Kent County Council spokesman Thom Morris said: “There are reports of a large diesel spillage in the Dover district area, affecting the following roads.”

Highways workers were sent out to put up warning signs and lay down grit.

News of the trouble had gradually filtered through earlier in the afternoon when police were called at 2.20pm for reports of spillage so far just known to be on the A258.

Just before 4pm Kent Highways tweeted: “Dover district area. Reports of a large diesel spillage affecting various roads. Take care whilst we make it safe.”

The scale of the effect on local traffic is due to become clear.