A MOTORIST is in hospital with serious injuries after his car left the road and crashed into a tree early today.

The man, in his 20s, had to be cut free from the blue Vauxhall Astra following the incident in Churchill Avenue, Folkestone.

He was taken to the William Harvey Hospital at Ashford. Kent Police describe his condition as "stable but critical".

The driver lives in the Folkestone area. The crash occurred shortly after midnight.

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact the Serious Crash Investigation Unit on 01622 7985538.