A MAJOR Kent road was closed for almost four hours last night as engineers worked to repair a gas leak.

The A2 was closed in both directions at the junction with the A227 in the north of the county at 5pm.

The closure caused severe traffic congestion and police advised motorists to avoid the area between Gravesend East and Northfleet.

It is believed a standpipe was damaged as contractors carried out roadworks.

Emergency services were also called to the scene but no homes were evacuated.

The road reopened before 9pm, although the slip road remained closed.