Trains were blocked at Gravesend and replacement buses backed up after an accident on the A2 where a child got knocked down.

Due to emergency engineering works at Gravesend the country-bound line was blocked this morning, and disruption lasted until noon today.

Replacement buses were put on by Southeastern but two collisions on the A2 and M2 caused further disruption to passengers.

Eastbound on the M2 at Junction 1 the exit slip road where it meets the A2 at Strood was closed due to an accident.

Further east on the A2 at Watling Street, the road was closed in both directions due to another crash between the B2108 Rede Court and the A226 Gravesend Road junction.

A 12-year-old girl has been taken to a London hospital with serious injuries.

A Southeastern spokesman said: "Emergency engineering works are currently being taken place at Gravesend on the country bound line in order to rectify a track circuit failure.

"Subsequently the line will be blocked until the work is complete. Rail replacement buses will be in place from both Ebbsfleet and Gravesend to carry passengers onwards to Rochester where they can then meet connecting trains for stations further down the line.

"Southeastern apologise for any disruption to your journey today."