A LORRY driver was airlifted to hospital today by helicopter after a three vehicle pile-up. The A289 Wainscott bypass was closed after the crash near the Four Elms roundabout at Chattenden, near Strood.

A white lorry, a Renault Clio van and a Honda bike were all involved in the accident just before 10am.

The lorry driver had to be cut out of his cab and flown to hospital by the Kent Air Ambulance, although his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

Police closed the A289 Chatham-bound from its junction with the A2/M2, causing traffic jams to build up.